Wales rugby faces scrutiny as Gatland’s future is debated and a key player is sidelined for the season after surgery
Cardiff: So, it looks like there’s a lot going on in Welsh rugby lately. Former players are really questioning whether Warren Gatland should still be in charge. Richie Rees, a well-known pundit, thinks it might be time for a change, especially since Wales hasn’t won a single Test match this year.
The Welsh Rugby Union decided to stick with Gatland for the upcoming Six Nations, but they’re planning another review afterward. It’s a bit of a gamble, right? Rees mentioned that attendance is down and the team’s performance isn’t great either. He’s wondering if they’re really improving under Gatland.
Another former coach, Shaun Holley, thinks Wales should aim for at least three wins in the Six Nations. He’s all about the wins, not just the stats. Meanwhile, Ken Owens, a former hooker, believes keeping Gatland might bring some stability, but he also thinks they need to look at the bigger picture in Welsh rugby.
On a different note, former Wales prop Tomas Francis is out for the season after neck surgery. He’s been sidelined since September and now it looks like he won’t be back anytime soon. That’s a tough break for Gatland, who could really use a solid player like him.
Francis has said he’s not done with international rugby, but he’s focused on his family in France for now. He’s open to returning if Wales really needs him, but it seems like they’re developing some new talent anyway.
In some good news, Cardiff Rugby has secured a three-year lease extension at the Arms Park. They’ll be playing there until 2028, which is a relief for fans. The club’s CEO, Richard Holland, is also working on a new professional rugby agreement with the WRU and other regions, but it’s still in the works.
Holland reassured fans that they’re doing everything to protect the club’s future and ensure success. It sounds like there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work happening, and they’ll keep everyone updated when they can.