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
Great article.
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.
Great read. Never forget his goal for Rovers against Shels in the cup. Belter. On his day he was unstoppable.
Nobody underachieves. If you have the skill, but not the motivation, you’ll achieve exactly how much you should achieve with that combination.
@Ryan Comiskey: what if you have the motivation but not the skill?
@Kieran Stafford: you’ll still likely achieve your potential – whatever that may be.
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.
Jaysus that suit looks shocking on Dolan . Fits like he ordered it online or something
@Ronan McDermott: …would you like if it was a “slim” fit?!…on Dolan?!
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.
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.
Great read. Never forget his goal for Rovers against Shels in the cup. Belter. On his day he was unstoppable.
@David Linehan: alright David boy once was enough to say it !
“Billy Woods was on the wing
we had dreams and songs to sing”
Immortalised in song, doesn’t get much better than that.
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”
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”