Rhys Carre: Saracens move down to Wales not Cardiff, says prop

But the Welsh Rugby Union announced last June that after “ongoing discussions” with the Wales coaching staff, Carre was released from the group having “failed to meet individual performance targets”.

He had been omitted from Wales’ squad for the 2022 autumn internationals despite some impressive displays for Cardiff, with then national coach Wayne Pivac saying he had “fallen short” in his “general conditioning”.

The former Wales Under-18 captain was in Gatland’s squad at the 2019 World Cup, having made his senior international debut in the lead-up to that tournament.

Carre played for Saracens in 2019-20.

His return to the Premiership club means he will be ineligible for Wales next season because of the Welsh Rugby Union’s 25-cap rule.

“All you can do as a player is play well for your club,” Carre added.

“Some people just don’t get picked. Some people just aren’t a coach’s cup of tea or whatever. If you are playing well and still aren’t getting picked, there’s not much you can do.

“Some things aren’t meant to be. It just felt like now was the right time and the opportunity came up to go back to Saracens.”

Cardiff-born Carre says moving to London will allow him “to go away and get out of the environment”.

“I’ve sort of stalled since the 2019 World Cup. I haven’t really gone anywhere,” he said.

“I want a chance to have a new start and to try and better myself again to see where I can get to.”