Once the initial shock of hearing that first Justin Tipuric and then Alun Wyn Jones had both decided to retire from international rugby had subsided, I asked the same question as every other Welsh rugby fan. Why?
Having accepted the invitation to join the 54-strong World Cup training squad named by Warren Gatland, it looked as though both players were on course for another tournament. And now this!
For me, the biggest thing is both players have made their own decisions. The full reasons behind them might not be forthcoming, but when your time is up, you know. Have they gone too soon? No! They’ve looked at what’s ahead, what they have to go through and what they’ve got left to give.
Two tortuous training camps in May and June will be followed by three summer warm-up games. Then it’s off to the World Cup in France. Trust me when I tell you, it is mentally and physically demanding and draining. That must have come into their thinking, although it’s not as though they weren’t both more than capable of coping with it all.
It was interesting to read in Alun Wyn’s announcement that he made his decision after on-going conversations with the Welsh management team.
Did Warren Gatland say there were no guarantees about him making the final cut for France? That jeopardy is always there, and the best coaches always let you know that fact. It is a question of honesty, integrity and motivation.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
