A turbulent week for Welsh rugby

“Unless we put all this to bed right here right now, regardless of what happens after today, then we won’t go to Ireland and win.”
Gareth Thomas, Welsh Rugby Captain speaking on Scrum V, February 19, 2006.

I would agree. Of course, if you tell the Welsh to do something they and do the opposite. Surely the game versus Ireland today is difficult enough without all of these issues.
It is unbelievable that such treatment is given to a coach who led us to our finest performances since the 1970s. We have treated our Grand Slam coach shodily.
And we, the Welsh public, seem to love all this drama. We won’t let it go.
“Yes, let’s put this behind us. So what actually happened?”

“A line needs to be drawn under this” says Pickering. It seems to be the party line. It would have been better had they focused on drawing up a proper contract for Ruddock from the word go, thus avoiding later confusion and the possibility of legal action.

What is irritating is that things seems to go off track about a year before the World Cup. Both Kevin Bowring and Graham Henry bowed out a year before the most important competition. When it matters most, things seem to go wrong for Wales. Is there a collective issue of self-worth here?

Perhaps the only positive thing about all this is that it has taken the attention away from Gavin Henson’s return, although some say that Henson issues are related to all of this.

I personally like Gareth Thomas’s irreverance. But I prefer to see his flair and spontaneity on the field, rather than in a poorly thought out interview.
Ideally, this season could have been an opportunity to maintain last year’s success and build for next year. Allowing winning to become a habit.
How can you build for the future amidst so much uncertainty?
As a nation, why is it that we struggle to deal with success? We needed a period of smooth sailing as Six Nations Champions.
Does success feel wrong to us? We prefer to adopt the habit of squabbling as opposed to winning.
Wales. World Squabbling Champions 2007.

It was revealed this week that Thomas has damaged an artery in his neck. I’m surprised he hasn’t damaged much more. He is a true warrior on the field. Not since the days of Scott Gibbs have I seen a player put his body on the line like Thomas does. Though many say his best position is at center, I like having him as full back. The last line of defence who will give everything.
He will be missed today, both on and off the field.

Y Senedd

Yn hytrach na buddsoddi mewn ‘makeovers’ i’w aelodau, mae’r Cynulliad wedi adeiladu cartref newydd i’w hun. Ma’ rhai’n mynd mor bell ag awgrymu bod yr adeilad yn ddarn o gelfyddyd ynddo’i hun. Dwi’n dweud dim tan i mi gael cyfle i ymweld â’r Senedd.
Yn bersonol, dwi o blaid buddsoddi mewn darnau o gelf er mwyn rhoi lliw a chymeriad i’r adeilad newydd, a thanio meddyliau creadigol ein gwleidyddion ymroddedig.