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Wales head coach Warren Gatland

'No doubt' Welsh players distracted by merger talk, says Gatland

Warren Gatland has called for people to ‘take a breath’, and insists the proposed Welsh rugby restructure is region-led, not WRU-led.

WARREN GATLAND SAYS there is “no doubt” Wales’ players have been affected by a proposed merger between the Scarlets and the Ospreys ahead of their Six Nations clash with Scotland on Saturday.

The newly-formed Professional Rugby Board (PRB) are to discuss plans for a radical change to regional rugby in Wales, which could see the introduction of a club in the north of the country and one less team in the south.

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Martyn Phillips addressed Gatland’s Grand Slam hopefuls on Monday to discuss the issue, which Wales’ head coach stressed has been driven by the regions rather than the governing body.

Gatland has urged his squad not to lose focus as they eye a Grand Slam but says the uncertainty has understandably had an effect on the group.

“There’s no doubt the players have been distracted. It is concerning. Players have been going home and asked question by wives and partners what’s going on,” said the New Zealander.

“Our message to the players is we need to wait and see what the outcome of the PRB meeting is going to be, the conclusion between the four regions and the union collectively. It’s a joint decision. You try and put players’ minds to rest and focus on winning the Six Nations.

“It’s been a challenge for the players. That’s why we had Martyn Phillips here yesterday addressing the squad.

“The PRB involves the four regions and the union. This hasn’t been driven by the union, it was approached by two regions about a merger because some of the difficulties we are aware of, because of the financial pressures.”

Gatland added: “The timing isn’t brilliant but the players have been professional. If a team does end up in north Wales, it’s going to be challenging for players who may go up there but from a Welsh perspective I see it as a massive opportunity.

“There’s a million people and big businesses up there. Our crowds aren’t big enough. A team in north Wales may be a positive outcome for Welsh rugby long-term.

I want to reiterate it has not been driven by the WRU but by the regions. There’s been a lot of criticism of the WRU in the last 48 hours but a lot of it is misinformation.

“People want to take a breath. We need to work together for the best solution for the game in Wales.”

- Omni

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    Mute Teddyzigzagbigbag
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    Apr 2nd 2017, 11:32 PM

    Great article.

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    Mute Bennythekid
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 4:24 AM

    Great to read about Billy and the way life turned out for him.i
    I can remember him as a kid in Middleton when I stayed with his parents Don and Mary.I will never forget their kindness towards me as I was starting out in my first job in nearby Carrigtouhill.

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    Mute David Linehan
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 1:05 AM

    Great read. Never forget his goal for Rovers against Shels in the cup. Belter. On his day he was unstoppable.

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    Mute Ryan Comiskey
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    Apr 2nd 2017, 11:21 PM

    Nobody underachieves. If you have the skill, but not the motivation, you’ll achieve exactly how much you should achieve with that combination.

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    Mute Kieran Stafford
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    Apr 2nd 2017, 11:31 PM

    @Ryan Comiskey: what if you have the motivation but not the skill?

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    Mute Dave Kilmartin
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 12:43 AM

    @Kieran Stafford: you’ll still likely achieve your potential – whatever that may be.

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    Mute Al S Macthomais
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 1:15 AM

    Great article and gives a no holds account of the times of Leage of Ireladn football from players perspective and still after his football experiences has great love still for Cork.

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    Mute Ronan McDermott
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 12:53 AM

    Jaysus that suit looks shocking on Dolan . Fits like he ordered it online or something

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    Mute James Clancy
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 7:13 PM

    @Ronan McDermott: …would you like if it was a “slim” fit?!…on Dolan?!

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    Mute David Turtle
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 3:20 AM

    Great read I remember Celtic played City in 2001 and brought a full strength team bar Larsson. The game finished 3-2 to Celtic that night too. I’ve the ticket on my bedroom wall still.

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    Mute Roib Ó hArrachtáin
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 7:58 AM

    Great read. Billy scored against Rovers out at Bishopstown once, off the left wing into the right top corner. Best goal I’ve seen in the flesh. Glorious stuff.

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    Mute David Linehan
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 1:05 AM

    Great read. Never forget his goal for Rovers against Shels in the cup. Belter. On his day he was unstoppable.

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    Mute baz newham
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 1:13 AM

    @David Linehan: alright David boy once was enough to say it !

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    Mute Eamonn Duggan
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 9:22 PM

    “Billy Woods was on the wing
    we had dreams and songs to sing”
    Immortalised in song, doesn’t get much better than that.

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    Mute John Brennan
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 9:28 AM

    I remember the slagging Billy got at the Cross when City played Rovers.
    One fella roared”Welcome back Billy, you havent changed. You’re still shite”

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    Mute John Brennan
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    Apr 3rd 2017, 9:30 AM

    I remember the slagging Billy got at the Cross when he came with Rovers.
    One fella roared ” Welcome back Billy, you havent changed. You’re still shite”

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