'An absolutely disgraceful decision' - Gatland blasted over 'disgusting' call

Warren Gatland has been accused in some quarters of "asking to be fired" after selecting Cory Hill to captain Wales for Friday’s clash with Queensland Reds.

In May 2021 Hill was involved in an incident where a group of men attacked a woman's home and he has not started for the national side since. At the time the victim said she feared for her and her children’s lives but charges were not brought against Hill.

Last month Gatland stated that he felt time was a healer and that it was time for the 32-year-old to return to the squad. Hill came off the bench against the Wallabies in the first Test earlier this month and again a week later as they lost 36-28 in Melbourne. After it was announced he’d been made captain for the uncapped clash Hill appeared at a press conference where he apologized for his previous mistakes.

“That incident happened three years ago. Do I regret it? Yes, of course I do," said Hill. “I made a mistake and I am sorry. But speaking about the game on Friday, I’m chuffed to be captain.”

“There’s always going to be negative reaction to mistakes someone has made in the past. Like Warren said, I’ve been honest and open here. The issue was dealt with by the club and authorities three years ago. It was a mistake. I hold my hand up and I am sorry for what happened.”

Gatland added: “We had a chat about what happened in the past and had a heart to heart about that.

“Cory said to me he made a mistake three years ago and he regrets what happened. Young men do make mistakes.

“For me, it is about putting that to one side and picking someone with that rugby experience and knowledge who has that rugby respect from the rest of the players in the squad.

“I have been clear that people do make mistakes in life and make some decisions or actions that they wish didn’t happen. We sat down and had an honest conversation about things. Cory was very open with me about that. I am sort of not looking at the past, but looking at the future.”

There was considerable uproar on X over the selection of Hill as skipper by some users of the social media platform.

Presenter and reporter Beth Fisher wrote on X: “An absolutely disgraceful decision to make Cory Hill captain. Just when you thought they couldn’t set any more bad examples…”

Welsh rugby journalist Robert Rees said: "I have to echo what many have already said. Cory Hill captaining the side is disgusting given his past. The WRU reform was supposed to enable equity and fairness for all, and enabling him in such a role is a disappointing statement of intent from the coaching staff.

Rugby writer Paul Williams wrote: "All for forgive and forget. But not sure Cory Hill would be my choice of captain. Not a great look."

Another person wrote: "Cory Hill captain what were they thinking. What message does that send out to players and our domestic game but most importantly to the family and the trauma he put them through!"

“Gatland surely asking to be fired by picking Cory Hill as his captain. I’ll be cheering on the Reds," wrote another.