Wales legend Taulupe Faletau has no plans to hang up his boots just yet, with one last Rugby World Cup still on his mind.
The 35-year-old missed out on Steve Tandy's Nations Championship squad after another injury setback.
But the 109-cap star may still have one final chapter left in him.
Wales boss opens door for Faletau return
Faletau made his return for Cardiff against Northampton Saints on Sunday.
He played 55 minutes and showed he has lost none of his class.
Speaking to BBC Sport Wales, Tandy made it clear the door is still open.
"He is a legend of our game and a world-class player, so we would definitely not rule anyone out."
Faletau has not played for Wales since facing Japan in 2025. Knee and calf injuries have kept him out of the Test side.
Tandy added: "I've spoken to Toby about being fit and available; then we can cross that bridge when he has put some consistent rugby together."
Faletau would be 36 when the 2027 World Cup kicks off in Australia.
He has yet to confirm when he plans to retire, but Tandy believes a fourth World Cup remains a goal.
And after all he's given Welsh rugby, what better way to bow out than on the biggest stage?
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PLAY THE ULTIMATE DRAFT →Wales Nations Championship squad in full
Forwards (22)
- Rhys Barratt
- Taine Basham
- Adam Beard
- Liam Belcher
- James Botham
- Rhys Carre
- Ben Carter
- Ryan Elias
- Seb Davies
- Tomas Francis
- Archie Griffin
- Kane James
- Dafydd Jenkins
- Dewi Lake (captain)
- Dillon Lewis
- Alex Mann
- Jac Morgan
- Taine Plumtree
- Nicky Smith
- Gareth Thomas
- Aaron Wainwright
- Teddy Williams
Backs (17)
- Josh Adams
- Sam Costelow
- Rio Dyer
- Dan Edwards
- Gabriel Hamer-Webb
- Joe Hawkins
- Louie Hennessey
- Che Hope
- Eddie James
- Max Llewellyn
- Ellis Mee
- Reuben Morgan-Williams
- Blair Murray
- Aneurin Owen
- Louis Rees-Zammit
- Tom Rogers
- Tomos Williams
Uncapped players
- Rhys Barratt
- Che Hope
- Aneurin Owen
Read also
Five facts about Taulupe Faletau you might not know
1. He grew up with the Vunipola brothers
Faletau has known Billy and Mako Vunipola since he was young. Their families are close friends. The England stars even call him their cousin.
2. His dad played for Tonga
His dad, Kuli, played 20 Tests for Tonga. The family moved to Wales in 1999. Kuli then played for Ebbw Vale and Pontypool.
3. He scored against the All Blacks
Faletau scored a try for the Lions against New Zealand in 2017. His try helped the Lions win the second Test. He played in all three Tests that summer.
4. He has a link to Gareth Bale
Faletau's partner is Charlotte Rhys Jones. Her sister Emma is married to former Wales football star Gareth Bale.
5. He has won three Six Nations titles
Faletau helped Wales win the Six Nations in 2012, 2013 and 2021. He played in every match during all three title wins. Wales also won the Grand Slam in 2012.
