Shane: Regions need to learn to compete in Europe

SHANE Williams says the four Welsh regions need to improve on and off the pitch if they are to ever compete with Europe’s elite.

After all four exited European competitions after turning in disappointing performances, critics have once again placed a microscope on the state of the regional game in Wales, and what can be done to improve things.

Writing in his latest Rugby Paper column, Amman Valley hero Williams

has put forward his own ideas.

He wrote: “When you look at Welsh rugby in simplistic terms, it must seem bizarre to those outside the country that the national team can do so well on a consistent basis and the regions can’t trouble the best teams in England, France and Ireland. There are a multitude of factors behind this.

“I could write a year’s worth of columns on how to try to solve the problems and improve Welsh rugby, but

I’ll focus on two key issues.

“Welsh rugby will always be beset by politics, but if you analyse the rugby objectively, there is one common theme which emerged last weekend and that is game management.

“The regions must learn to out games better.”

The Dragons, Ospreys and Cardiff Blues all blew commanding leads in their respective European ties, while Wales themselves let a Six Nations Grand Slam slip through their fingers close at the hands of France.

Williams believes both the national side, and the four professional teams, can do with taking note of others, but admits it’s not always a level playing field.

“Wales and Welsh teams can improve from watching the way the likes of Exeter and Leinster play, but of course the big difference between the two below Test level is financial muscle and greater squad depth,” he added.