All this is taking place while the Welsh rugby system is broken and needs fixing. The spotlight deserves to be more on the powerbrokers who have overseen the recent demise of the Welsh game at so many levels. Wales players and supporters have been let down.
The under-20s lose more games than they win, while regional rugby is struggling with the four sides languishing in the bottom half of the United Rugby Championship.
Ospreys are the only Welsh professional side to beat a non-Welsh team in 2024.
The last time Wales received the Wooden Spoon there was transformational change, with the club system replaced by five regional professional teams, which was eventually reduced to four with the demise of the Celtic Warriors.
Whether a further cull to three, or even two, is required to streamline the talent within Wales will be debated. That possibility is fraught with danger over identity as fans would be asked to support new teams.
If four teams are maintained, they must somehow be funded properly, a challenge in the modern-day financial world.
The 25-cap law will also be reviewed. The policy only allows players who have 25 caps or more to go and play for clubs outside of Wales while remaining eligible for the national team – although there are caveats, too many some would argue.
Players have recently been queuing up to say the policy should be scrapped but its defenders claim it keeps young stars in Wales and gives the national side maximum preparation time.
Food for thought for Tierney and chair Richard Collier-Keywood, who so far have offered only generic words about the future of Welsh rugby.
What we need to see now is action from the pair and executive director of rugby Nigel Walker. Difficult decisions have to be made.
Tierney came into her new role in January, backed by a new-look WRU board, and promised an overall strategy would be announced by June.
The fact there is not a current plan sums up the sorry mess Welsh rugby finds itself in on and off the pitch.
This pain Welsh rugby is experiencing now will only be worth it if it leads to that long-term gain.
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The post Six Nations 2024: How do you solve a problem like Welsh rugby? first appeared on Rugby 247.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2024-10-06 22:18:50
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