Wales
Dirksen targets World Cup spot with Wales
ESPN Staff
August 10, 2014
Hanno Dirksen wants to be wearing the red of Wales © Getty Images
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Newly-qualified Wales winger Hanno Dirksen has set his sights on a place in their World Cup squad.

South African-born Dirksen has recently obtained the necessary residency to run out for Warren Gatland's men and he is hoping his Ospreys form will see him force his way into the national reckoning.

Speaking to Wales Online of his international aspirations with the World Cup just a year out, Dirksen said: "If I were to write my goals out that would be top. It's any boy's dream to play international rugby, and to play in a World Cup would be the cherry on top.

"But you have to put in the foundation first and for me that involves getting in the Ospreys' team. There are a lot of good players on the wings at the club.

"Before I do anything I have to be playing regularly for the Ospreys. Hopefully, I can work on my weaknesses and become a good enough player for Wales to look at me."

For Dirksen, his goal this season is to stay injury free after he missed out on Wales' tour of South Africa due to knee problems. "Injuries have been setting me back for the past 18 months, but I will try to get more game time in the campaign ahead," Dirksen said. "The knee is fine and I haven't had any problems with it."

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