Exeter Chiefs lock Dafydd Jenkins, who was instrumental for both club and country, has confirmed he will miss Wales’ upcoming autumn internationals as he focuses on a December return to full fitness. The 21-year-old second row has been recovering from both knee and shoulder surgeries following a grueling summer of rugby. However, his drive to return stronger than ever is a testament to his commitment to his teams and to himself.
Jenkins has missed the start of Exeter’s 2024-25 Premiership campaign and is targeting a return for the club’s Investec Champions Cup match against Toulouse on December 15. It’s been a challenging period for the rising star, who started both summer Tests against Australia before being sidelined.
Wales’ national team, meanwhile, has been dealing with injuries across its roster, including Jenkins’ fellow locks Adam Beard and Teddy Williams, while Will Rowlands has been resting. Jenkins’ absence this autumn only deepens the team’s reliance on other players in the position, adding pressure to an already thin group.
“I’ve Never Been More Motivated”
In a candid interview, Jenkins opened up about how difficult his injury layoff has been, particularly mentally. “It’s been horrible,” he admitted. “It’s probably the first time I’ve had such a long time off. It’s definitely harder mentally more than physically.”
Despite the frustrations, Jenkins is using this break to fuel his comeback. Reflecting on his career so far, he’s channeling his energy into his recovery and planning for his return with renewed determination. “It’s given me time to reflect on things I’ve probably not achieved,” Jenkins added. “I’ve never been more motivated to get back on the pitch and put it all right. The break has definitely made me more hungry than I’ve ever been.”
A Meteoric Rise Interrupted
Dafydd Jenkins is no stranger to pressure or early success. Having made his debut for Wales in November 2022 against Georgia, Jenkins quickly established himself as a key player for his national side. Earlier this year, during the 2024 Six Nations, Jenkins became Wales’ second-youngest captain at just 20 years old, following in the footsteps of some of rugby’s most iconic leaders.
His appointment by Warren Gatland marked a significant milestone in his career, and he led Wales with maturity and grit, despite the team’s struggles during the tournament. “That was a huge honour for myself,” Jenkins said of his captaincy. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”
With senior players like Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan now fit and leading Wales, Jenkins knows his role may change upon his return, but he’s ready to embrace whatever is asked of him. “If my role is to follow them and do everything I can to help them, that’s something I’m absolutely fine with,” Jenkins shared. “I think in that period, we definitely underachieved. I’m looking forward to being back, especially for the Six Nations where I think we’ve got the opportunity to do something special.”
The Physical and Mental Battle of Recovery
Jenkins’ injuries have kept him off the field for an extended period, and it’s a scenario unfamiliar to the young lock. Having been a standout talent from an early age, Jenkins has been playing at a high level since he was 18, including making his debut for Exeter and Wales in quick succession. “This is probably the first time I’ve had a bit of time to recover,” Jenkins reflected, acknowledging the toll years of relentless rugby had taken on his body.
“This is probably just about getting my body right,” Jenkins said, explaining that his recovery from knee and shoulder surgery is giving him the chance to rebuild. “I’ve been gymming a lot more than I would have, and I’m looking to put on a few extra kgs of muscle.”
Although Jenkins is not yet back to running, he’s approaching that phase of his recovery with excitement. “When I get to that block, I’m going to push myself and be hitting personal bests,” he said, determined to return stronger than before.
Exeter Chiefs Struggles Without Jenkins
Jenkins’ absence from Exeter has been felt on the pitch. For the first time since their promotion to the Premiership in 2010, the Chiefs have lost their opening four games of the season. It’s also the first time in a decade that the club has suffered four consecutive league defeats. Their latest loss came in heartbreaking fashion, as Exeter squandered a 20-point lead in the final 15 minutes to lose to Bristol Bears last weekend.
In addition to Jenkins, Exeter has been grappling with injuries to other key players, including England centre Henry Slade and flanker Jacques Vermeulen. “It is definitely not the start we wanted,” Jenkins said of the team’s rough run. “Having Sladey and Jacques back in a few games' time will be huge for us.”
Despite the early season struggles, Jenkins remains optimistic about his team’s prospects. He pointed out that small improvements could make a big difference: “We’re disappointed with how we’re seeing out games. We’ve been in a few of them, and that’s the most disappointing aspect.”
Looking Ahead to the Six Nations
Though Jenkins will miss the upcoming autumn internationals, including crucial games against Fiji, Australia, and South Africa, his eyes are firmly set on the Six Nations in 2025. Head coach Warren Gatland is expected to name his squad for the November series next week, but Jenkins is already focusing on being in peak form when the next international window opens.
“Unfortunately, I’m missing the autumn, but I’ll definitely be up and running by the Six Nations,” Jenkins promised. After months of hard work and recovery, Jenkins is determined to make his presence felt once again, and his hunger to return is stronger than ever.
Jenkins’ Drive and Determination Are What Wales Needs
Dafydd Jenkins’ story is one of resilience and promise. His time away from the game has been challenging, but it’s clear that this young lock has a bright future ahead. His willingness to learn, grow, and fight through adversity will be key for Wales as they head into the next Six Nations campaign.
