The powerful back-row forward was forced home prematurely from last summer’s British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand with a nasty back injury that required surgery. Nearly 12 months on Moriarty is a key man for Warren Gatland’s Wales as they prepare for their historic meeting with the Springboks in Washington on Saturday and two Tests with Argentina.
The Dragons-bound flanker returned to fitness to play three times in Wales’ second-placed Six Nations finish, but then found game time hard to come by on his return to Kingsholm. But now he is itching to pull on the red jersey.
“I am really pleased to be able to come on the Wales tour. Gloucester released me early so I could make it,” he said. “I’m looking forward to playing some rugby again and it’s been great to be involved in training with Wales.
“The sun has been shining, it’s been nice and warm, and I’ve really been looking forward to Washington and going to Argentina for the first time.”
Moriarty is one of the most experienced players in Warren Gatland’s experimental squad for the matches against South Africa and the Pumas. Late withdrawals have given a chance to Moriarty’s future teammate Aaron Wainwright, who only began playing rugby three years ago. And Moriarty has welcomed the competition that comes with Welsh rugby’s wealth of back-row talent.
“I’ve been involved since the 2015 World Cup pretty much so I do feel I have more experience than most,” said Moriarty.
“The back-row depth has grown a lot in the last season. Before that you had the usual suspects who never changed, but now there is a lot more competition and that’s good for everybody in training and everybody who wants to play. It’s no bad thing.”
