Gabriel Hamer-Webb has shared a deeply personal story that led him to choose Wales over England for his international rugby career. The Bath-born winger, who previously represented England at the Under-20 level in the Six Nations, made the decision to switch allegiances after a series of family tragedies.

His mother, who was born in Cardiff, played a pivotal role in this choice. Following the sudden loss of both his father and brother, Hamer-Webb found himself as the sole male figure in his immediate family. This responsibility weighed heavily on him, but it also reinforced his commitment to his mother and sisters.

“I asked my mum, ‘What would be better for you?’ She said, ‘Wales of course, that’s where we’re from, where your family is from.’ That was big for me. If that’s the thing that makes my mother the proudest, then wow, that could be something,” he explained.

This decision had an emotional impact on his first selection into the Wales squad. When he received the call from Steve Tandy, the reality only hit him after sharing the news with his family.

“It didn’t really sink in [but] then I called my mum and sisters and that’s when it was much more exciting, seeing their reactions, especially my mother’s. I’ve got a screenshot of her crying which will go up on the fridge. Seeing them be proud and their reaction meant more to me than anything else.”

Biding His Time

At just 25 years old, Hamer-Webb has spent time waiting for his chance in the spotlight. He came through the ranks at Bath before playing in New Zealand with Southland and later at Northampton Saints. His move to Cardiff was aimed at pursuing Test honors with Wales, but he was overlooked by Warren Gatland despite strong club performances.

Frustration grew as he watched former England Under-20 teammates like Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet progress to the international stage. However, an unexpected move to Leicester Tigers eventually led to his inclusion in the Six Nations squad, surpassing Test regular Rio Dyer.

“It’s taken a long while but you always have that hunger to push to get capped,” he said. “I’ve always been after it and now the opportunity is finally arising. It’s a real sweet moment.”

Hamer-Webb celebrated the call with a try in Leicester’s victory over Harlequins on Saturday, but he knows the real challenge begins now if he wants to secure a spot in the matchday squad.

“You’re there for a reason but you always have that pressure of a new environment and you have to earn the respect of a new group,” he said. One of only two uncapped players in the squad, he acknowledges the increased scrutiny and expectations in the Six Nations.

“It’s another level. There’s a lot more scrutiny and eyes on you in the Six Nations but that’s absolutely fine by me.”

Wales’ campaign starts against England on 7 February, with the possibility of Hamer-Webb making a dream Test debut opposite his best friend, Max Ojomoh of Bath.

“That would be a moment for life if we played against each other in the Six Nations at Twickenham, one that we’ll absolutely savour forever,” he said. “But those are obviously dreams. Just to be involved and do my best for the team—whatever aspect that is—will be enough for me.”

Protests, pride, and late celebrations in URC

Francis, Hennessey and Hamer-Webb make Wales squad

Welsh rugby crisis – Who, what, why and where next?