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Steve Diamond hits out at Wales

Steve Diamond has slammed Wales
Steve Diamond has slammed Wales for wrecking Dwayne Peel’s World Cup dream – even though Sale are set to reap the benefits, writes Ben Collins.

Peel was named in Wales’ 45-man preliminary squad although being a Premiership player in England, he was not permitted to be released for international duty until  August 4.

Yet the Sharks scrum-half, who has won 76 caps, was not approached to join up with the Wales camp before Saturday’s second warm-up game against England.

The Welsh attack coach Rob Howley claimed the former Lions star was suffering from a ruptured finger and a hip injury.

Yet Diamond would have been happy to inform Wales that Peel is, in fact, fully fit – had they bothered to ask.

“Dwayne did have a finger injury but has not missed one single training session since June 6 and he was declared fit to go into contact in July,” said Diamond, Sale’s executive director of sport.

“It’s absolutely not right (Howley saying Peel is injured) and the Welsh management haven’t discussed Dwayne Peel with me or anybody at the club in the six months I’ve been back.

“Wherever their information has come from, it’s not correct.

“We’ve tried to speak to them about his situation but, ultimately, Wales haven’t played ball with any of the Premiership sides when it’s come to their players.”