During the Six Nations the team’s preparations for the crucial trip to Scotland were thrown into chaos by that talk of a proposed merger between the Ospreys and the Scarlets so at one stage the players were going into a huge game not knowing where their domestic future lay.
Now another storm has blown up with coach Rob Howley sent home from Japan for alleged breaches of our game’s betting laws. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. I was completely shocked.
At this stage it is difficult to be able to say a great deal on the situation surrounding Rob because as things stand he is under investigation. When things like this happen there tends to be no smoke without fire, but until we know exactly what has gone on Wales have to put it to the back of their mind.
What I will say on Rob is that I hope he is OK. Whatever has happened in this situation, he is one of the proudest Welshmen on this planet. He’s had criticism in his role as attack coach, but he has been a devoted rugby servant to his country as a player and in management for more than 20 years.
You cannot argue with that. I am very friendly with Rob. I haven’t spoken to him as I didn’t feel I should bother him when he is with his family, but I want it to be known that he has my full support.
I know that he will feel absolutely awful about what has happened on the eve of the biggest tournament in the world. Given the two years Wales have had going into the World Cup and all the preparation they have done, it is a headache head coach Warren Gatland could have definitely done without.
Rob will know that more than anyone which is why I hope his family and friends have gathered around him back in Wales. I know the Welsh Rugby Union are supporting him too. That’s very important.
Esta historia es de la edición September 22, 2019 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 22, 2019 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.