Gatland serene as Welsh implode

WELSH rugby has known nothing like it, one would seem, but then again yesterday’s raucous events in the Principality reminded some of us that the more things change, the more things stay the same.

After all, Wales have baffled many by their recurring ability to dispel local disharmony by achieving success on the international stage.

Since their last regional implosion in 2003, Wales have won the title four times and Ireland, supposedly a model of decorum and consistency, have only matched that total.

Of course, at provincial level, Wales suck compared to Ireland and that is the main reason why the WRU have announced a merger of Scarlets and Ospreys, which has shocked so many and already led to the resignation of Ospreys’ chair Mike James. Meanwhile, Warren Gatland (pictured) continues to serenely navigate a potential third Grand Slam assault, making just one change – Adam Beard for the injured Cory Hill – ahead of the weekend trip north. “There’s no doubt the players have been distracted,” said Gatland. “It is concerning. Players have been going home, asked questions by wives and partners about what’s going on.”

James responded with fury to the latest plans ahead of an urgent Union meeting in Cardiff.

“We now have the worst of all worlds – a lack of clarity, a lack of transparency and a total inability to plan ahead. Project Reset has become Project Inept.”