Freddie Thomas says being left out of the latest Wales squad has given him something to prove.

The Gloucester lock has been impressive as Gloucester Rugby sit second in the PREM ahead of the international break. But he has been excluded from Steve Tandy's Wales squad for the forthcoming Nations Championship campaign, as reports Wales Online.

But he says the snub will provide him with "extra energy" as he looks to excel with his club.

He told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "It was really disappointing when I got the call. I get on well with (Tandy) so he was pretty clear with me, he called me up and let me know what kind of things I need to work on, which was good.

"It does obviously give me a bit of extra motivation because that's where I want to be - that's what I'm playing for.

"It's given me some extra energy and maybe an extra lift that maybe I needed."

While targeting greater consistency, he says he feels his versatility may have worked against him.

He said: "It's something I find quite hard, trying to break through into that consistency in performance, I have still not locked it down yet.

"I have still got more to give every week. I am starting to build on those foundations and trying to get better every week and hopefully get back into that Welsh squad.

"I think it has helped me playing both second row and back row (though) having spoken with some of the Welsh coaches it may potentially be hindering me, making me a question mark. For me it's out of my control, I am just trying to play the best I can."

It comes as Exeter Chiefs flanker Kane James says he's embracing the prospect of breaking into one of the most fiercely contested positions this autumn.

Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright are both anticipated to play prominent roles, while James also confronts tough competition from the likes of James Botham, Alex Mann, Taine Basham and Taine Plumtree in the back row.

Nevertheless, James says he's eager for the challenge. "It's pretty stacked," he said.

"There is good competition but a competitive squad is only going to boost us.

"It's similar at Exeter, we've got one hell of a back-row. Being more involved in the senior squad has helped me improve massively.

"I'd like to think that I bring something different with my speed and power," said James. "I just like to get my hands on the ball, use my footwork and pace."