Cardiff wing Adams doubtful for Wales series

Wing Josh Adams has scored 26 tries in 43 games for Cardiff

Cardiff wing Josh Adams faces a race to be fit for Wales' autumn international campaign as he battles to recover from a knee injury.

The 29-year-old missed Wales' summer tour of Australia and Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt says they hope to have him back by the end of the first block of United Rugby Championship (URC) games.

Cardiff opened their league campaign with a 22-17 win against Zebre and finish the first group of matches by hosting Ulster on Saturday, 26 October.

Wales face Fiji in their autumn opener on Sunday, 10 November, before Warren Gatland's side play Australia seven days later and tackle world champions South Africa on Saturday, 23 November.

"We are hoping to get him some time this block but he is travelling in the right direction," said Sherratt.

When asked whether he would have to play for Cardiff before being considered for Wales, Sherratt responded: "That will be up to the Welsh selectors, it will be when he is ready.

"Sometimes a second row or back row can come back at 90%, but with wings in particular, when your attributes are based on power and speed, it's very difficult to come back unless you are 100%.

"Josh has had a long time playing at 90%, so for him it's important when he comes back he wants to be 100% ready.

"Hopefully that is before the end of this block, and if he is back he will be in contention for Wales because he is a quality player.

"But also I do know for Josh, we have looked after him, he has had a summer to recuperate and he wants to pay Cardiff back.

"Josh's priority will be to play for Cardiff and off the back of that to play for Wales."

Adams last played for Cardiff in May against Sharks before missing the final game of the domestic season and was also absent for Wales' Tests against South Africa and Australia.

The British and Irish Lions wing featured for Wales in the 2024 Six Nations, where he battled through when he was not fully fit.

"It showed his character when he dug in playing for Wales playing at 70% or 80%," said Sherratt.

"He was not feeling physically at the top of his game and then mentally that probably takes 10% off as well.

"A lot of people would not have played but Josh is a competitor. So he deserves when he comes back to be fresh and ready to play."