Warren Gatland: “There was quite a significant split in the group over which way to go, and I think that definitely caused some tension within the group for a couple of weeks.” Gatland makes six changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s Six Nations game against Italy in Rome
By PA Media
Last Updated: 09/03/23 10:51pm
Warren Gatland has lost the first three games of his second stint in charge of Wales
Warren Gatland has revealed that a threat of possible player strike action before Wales’ Guinness Six Nations clash against England caused “quite a significant split” and “tension” within his squad.
Wales head to Rome for a Six Nations appointment with Italy on Saturday, having lost their opening three games.
Another defeat, and a first Six Nations wooden spoon for 20 years beckons, given that Wales’ final fixture is against France in Paris.
A crushing contractual and financial backdrop has engulfed Welsh regional rugby, with all four professional teams – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – facing major funding cuts, leading to vastly-reduced contract offers for many players whose deals expire at the end of this season, and a player exodus appears inevitable.
Along with thorny subjects like Wales’ former 60-cap national selection rule and fixed-variable contracts, off-field problems led to the prospect of a players’ strike before England’s Cardiff visit last month.
Although a strike was averted and the England game went ahead as scheduled, with Steve …