Belcher fighting for Cardiff spot before Wales bid

Belcher fighting for Cardiff spot before Wales bidImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Liam Belcher came on for Wales twice in Japan in the summer of 2025ByChris KirwanBBC Sport WalesPublished9 minutes agoCommentsHooker Liam Belcher insists his focus is on keeping the number two jersey at Cardiff rather than looking to earn a first start with Wales this summer.The 29-year-old will be a key figure as the Blue and Blacks attempt to qualify for the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs.Belcher's form for Cardiff earned a first cap against Japan last summer and he played twice in the autumn as well as in the Six Nations opener at England.He then saw fit-again Scarlets rival Ryan Elias take over as captain Dewi Lake's deputy for the rest of the championship."I had limited game time but enjoyed being part of that environment so much," said Belcher."I loved it there. It is invaluable, whether you are playing or not, to train with some of the best players and also learn from coaches like Dan Lydiate, who has been there and done it."Wales great Faletau to miss rest of Cardiff's seasonPublished2 AprilWales hooker Lloyd signs new Cardiff contractPublished31 MarchAll five of his Test appearances have been off the bench and he will look to feature against Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in June and July.With Wales sweating on the availability of the injured Lake, Belcher is a contender along with Elias, fit-again Elliot Dee, Brodie Coghlan and clubmate Evan Lloyd."Everyone is playing well but there is also a hell of a battle here at Cardiff between me, Daf Hughes and Evan, while Tom Howe went really well for Wales Under-20s," said Belcher."My main focus is on performing for Cardiff because if I don't then there are very good players chomping at the bit."Of those rivals, physical teenager Howe is yet to make his senior debut but is already catching the eye."He was one of the shining...