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Robin McBryde's courageous commitment to Wales in Japan despite family bereavement
By Online Editors
Robin McBryde has decided to stay working with Wales ahead of next Sunday’s semi-final versus South Africa despite the recent death of his mother Diana.
The 49-year-old forwards coach - who is due to join Leinster following the end of his last tournament with Warren Gatland’s Wales - was apparently informed of his mother’s passing in the lead-up to last weekend’s quarter-final win over France in Oita.
McBryde worked his way through that weekend’s assignment and now, having received the blessing from his family back home in Wales, he has decided to keep working in Japan the hope of helping his country reach a first-ever World Cup final.
"I have received great support from the team and management out here and with the support from my family back home it allows me to remain in Japan,” he explained on Tuesday.
"My mother was my biggest fan and as with any parent, she would want the best for me, so I know I am where she would want me to be.
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"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Ward Cybi, Ysbyty Gwynedd, for the fantastic care and attention my mother received.”
McBryde’s boss Gatland added: "The Wales squad, management and the whole of the Welsh Rugby Union would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Robin and his family following the recent passing of his mother Diana.
"Robin is a proud family man and we as a squad are here to support him and his family in any way possible during this time."
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Latest Comments
i think Argentina v France could be a good game too, depending on which Argentina turns up. The most difficult to call is Scotland Australia.
Go to commentsSmith is playing a different game with the rest of the backs struggling to understand. That's the problem with so called playmakers, if nobody gets what they're doing then it often just leads to a turnover. It gets worse when Borthwick changes one of them, which is why they don't score points at the end. Sometimes having a brilliant playmaker can be problematic if a team cannot be built around them. Once again Borthwick seems lacking in either coaching or selection. I can't help but think it's the latter coupled with pressure to select the big name players.
Lastly, his forward replacements are poor and exposed either lack of depth or selection pressure. Cole hemorrhages scrum penalties whenever he comes on, opponents take advantage of the England scrum and close out the game. Is that the best England can offer?
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