Liam Belcher is focused on securing a starting spot at Cardiff before pushing for his first Wales start. The hooker has earned five Test caps, all as a replacement, and faces stiff competition at club level from Daf Hughes and Evan Lloyd. "My main focus is on performing for Cardiff because if I don't then there are very good players chomping at the bit," Belcher said.

Wales are currently assessing the fitness of injured hooker Lake, creating an opening in the national team squad. Belcher is among several contenders including Elias, fit-again Elliot Dee, Brodie Coghlan, and clubmate Evan Lloyd. He is set to feature against Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa in June and July.

The competition extends beyond experienced players. Physical teenager Tom Howe, yet to make his senior debut, impressed for Wales Under-20s. "He was one of the shining lights for Wales Under-20s and if he keeps his head down and keeps doing what he is doing then he has a massive future," Belcher said of his Cardiff teammate.