Shane: Fans’ support will be crucial for return

SHANE Williams has called on supporters to put aside their sniping over standards in Welsh rugby and copy the backing New Zealand supporters have given to the players in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Rugby-starved fans in New Zealand have packed out grounds in their homeland as the Chiefs, Crusaders, Blues, Highlanders and Hurricanes compete in a domestic tournament, to replace the Covid-19 curtailed Super Rugby games.

And Welsh record try scorer Williams believes New Zealand’s backing has set the template for fans here to follow as rugby nears the end of its coronavirus lockdown.

Writing in the Rugby Paper, the 87-times capped Welsh wing said: “Sometimes the fans in Wales can be too quick to criticise the regional players.

“They quite rightly pick holes in the product, but then the criticism spills over into other areas.

“The rugby public of New Zealand not only love their rugby, but are backing their players. That’s what we need to see across the UK when it is safe for crowds to return.

“The New Zealanders have shown there is a huge desire for live rugby and we need to breathe new life into the game here in Wales.

“The players are expected to deliver in their potential, weekin, week-out. When crowds are allowed to return, it will be their turn to show their commitment to their favourite teams.”

The four Welsh regions are set to return to Guinness PRO14 action on the weekend of August 22, with the first of two rounds of derby matches.

It’s not yet been revealed which derby matches will be played, as there are three rounds of them left in the original schedule before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

“I’m convinced there will be a new energy, a greater level of commitment and a real intensity to rugby at all levels when we are given the go-ahead to get back to something like normal,” added Williams.

“I’ve spoken to a number of players through lockdown, and a few who represent their colleagues on the WRPA, and we all need to realise they have taken massive pay cuts.

“They are fighting for their livelihoods, as well as the chance to get back onto the pitch to do what they love. Many of them have raised money for the NHS or other charities. The game in Wales will need that spirit and more when it hauls itself off the canvas.”