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'Our crowds aren't big enough' - Gatland weighs in on 'Mergergate'

Wales head coach Warren Gatland

Warren Gatland said there is “no doubt” Wales’ players have been affected by a proposed merger between the Scarlets and the Ospreys ahead of their Six Nations clash with Scotland on Saturday.

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The newly-formed Professional Rugby Board (PRB) are to discuss plans for a radical change to regional rugby in Wales, which could see the introduction of a club in the north of the country and one less team in the south.

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Martyn Phillips addressed Gatland’s Grand Slam hopefuls on Monday to discuss the issue, which Wales’ head coach stressed has been driven by the regions rather than the governing body.

Gatland has urged his squad not to lose focus as they eye a Grand Slam but says the uncertainty has understandably had an effect on the group.

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“There’s no doubt the players have been distracted. It is concerning. Players have been going home and asked questions by wives and partners what’s going on,” said the New Zealander.

“Our message to the players is we need to wait and see what the outcome of the PRB meeting is going to be, the conclusion between the four regions and the union collectively. It’s a joint decision. You try and put players’ minds to rest and focus on winning the Six Nations.

“It’s been a challenge for the players. That’s why we had Martyn Phillips here yesterday addressing the squad.

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“The PRB involves the four regions and the union. This hasn’t been driven by the union, it was approached by two regions about a merger because some of the difficulties we are aware of because of the financial pressures.”

He added: “The timing isn’t brilliant but the players have been professional. If a team does end up in north Wales, it’s going to be challenging for players who may go up there but from a Welsh perspective I see it as a massive opportunity.

“There’s a million people and big businesses up there. Our crowds aren’t big enough. A team in north Wales may be a positive outcome for Welsh rugby long term.

“I want to reiterate it has not been driven by the WRU but by the regions. There’s been a lot of criticism of the WRU in the last 48 hours but a lot of it is misinformation.

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“People want to take a breath. We need to work together for the best solution for the game in Wales.”

Ken Owens and the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) have issued a statement on the back of intense speculation about the future structure of professional rugby in Wales.

Owens, Chairman of the WRPA said: “As the chairman of the WRPA I am deeply concerned about the situation that the player across the four regions face.

“I recognise that this is the most challenging situation that I or arguably any player has faced during our rugby careers. I appeal to all stakeholders to have the concerns and welfare needs of all those that stand to be affected by the proposed changes at the forefront of their minds.

“It’s also clear players need to be represented on the PRB because they can and must be part of the solution. Without them there is no Welsh Rugby.”

In support of the comments from the Chairman Ken Owens, players from the regions also expressed their concern about the huge impact that the proposed changes will have upon the lives of the fantastic team of people who provide the support that essential to allow the players to take the field, from immediate team support across to the commercial and community teams who work tirelessly to support and promote regional Rugby.

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Michael Rogers 44 minutes ago
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Mzilikazi 50 minutes ago
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That’s a good post, Sk.


I’m going to jump on this one; “Also the squad isnt exactly bursting with talent which you could confidently say will be there come 2031 especially when you consider how young players are being hunted by foreign clubs.”


That has to change for any coach on this planet to ever have a realistic chance of winning the Webb Ellis. Australia is in a unique position, bad one, of having so much competition for rugby talent, men and women. Rugby League exists in the north in the UK as a challenge, is to some extent a threat in NZ, but I would judge minor, present in France, but is not a serious threat. Big one here is AFL, which is unique to Australia. Soccer is another, which ofc exists worldwide. Actually soccer would take away a lot of world class talent in the UK as far as backs go. That is not often talked about, recognised.


I have a story one that one. I went to a senior school in Belfast, rugby only, and one of the kids, little guy, was a brilliant soccer player, a huge sport in N.Ireland. The big lads, Yr12/Sixth formers, always grabbed him to play in the little school yard games played at lunch break(tennis ball only, so no broken windows). Rest of us just played in our year group teams. The little guy did not want to play rugby, as that would have meant no Sat. soccer for him. So he left after First form, and went to a soccer school.


When we were about 15, we heard teh little guy was going over to Man. United to try his luck from apprentice level. He did well.


Oh yes, his name….Georgie Best. Just imagine if he had fallen in love with rugby, played 10/13/15 for Ireland !

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