ALEX BYWATER: If the Welsh players walk out, I wouldn't blame them

ALEX BYWATER: I can’t remember such a mess as the Welsh pay dispute and it needs to be sorted out quickly…. if the players walk out, I wouldn’t blame them

  • Sportsmail revealed on Monday that Welsh players are pondering strike action
  • Wales’ Alun Wyn Jones refused to rule out a strike when speaking to the media
  • But coach Warren Gatland revealed he would not support his players walking out

Warren Gatland raised himself slowly from his seat after fronting yet another Wales crisis press conference on Thursday and let out a sigh.

‘Welcome to Wales,’ he said as he exhaled, barely able to believe the state of the national game.

Gatland is no stranger to taking the bullets on behalf of the Welsh Rugby Union and he did so again alongside Alun Wyn Jones. 

Frankly, he must be sick of it.

Both men spoke impressively on the contractual chaos which has engulfed Welsh rugby and has led to the possibility of the country’s players striking ahead of next Saturday’s Six Nations clash with England.

Alun Wyn Jones has refused to rule out the possibility of a Welsh player strike for next Saturday’s clash with England after contractual chaos engulfed the country’s game

Wales coach Warren Gatland said he wouldn’t support a strike by players for the England game

In a decade or so of covering Welsh rugby, I cannot remember such a mess.

The players deserve better and it is important to point out the current impasse will affect not only Gatland’s international stars, but every Welsh-based professional.

All of their futures are uncertain and it is just not good enough.

The WRU, the four regions and the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association need to get their act together — and quickly. 

Unless things are resolved by Wednesday, a strike by the Wales squad is absolutely on the table. 

And, to be honest, it would be hard to criticise them if they follow through on their threat.

Sportsmail revealed on Monday that players are pondering strike action ahead of the match

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