The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)

Gatland would not back players’ boycott of Wales v England

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Wales head coach Warren Gatland would not back his players if they decided to strike instead of lining up against England in the Guinness Six Nations.

Gatland insists he supports his squad’s cause amid an ongoing dispute caused by Welsh rugby’s profession­al contracts freeze, but would not agree if they opted to boycott the game at Cardiff’s Principali­ty Stadium a week on Saturday.

Asked if he would support that course of action, the New Zealander said: “No.

“I completely support the stance that they’re taking in terms of wanting to get some resolution of the issues that they have, but I think there’s a lot more involved, a lot of things at stake in terms of ensuring that that fixture does take place.

“Like I’ve said, I’m supportive of the players and the things that they’re trying to do, and my role is just to prepare the team for next week.” Gatland’s comments came after the Welsh Rugby Players’ Associatio­n said “players have had enough” amid the continuing uncertaint­y with strike action by the national team a possibilit­y.

The situation has been magnified due to recruitmen­t being on hold and next season’s playing budgets not yet being finalised for Wales’ four profession­al regions of Cardiff, Ospreys, Dragons and Scarlets.

Asked if the disagreeme­nt had affected the players, Gatland said: “The players have been great in the last few days in terms of the way they’ve (trained).

“They’ve got a side issue or a separate issue that they want sorting, but when it’s come to the rugby in terms of preparing for the game, they’ve been fantastic in the way that they’ve prepared in the last few days.”

 ?? ?? Gatland supports the players but not strike action.
Gatland supports the players but not strike action.

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