Former Wales captain Sam Warburton has voiced concerns over the national team’s performance, suggesting a sense of complacency may have infiltrated the Welsh Rugby Union.
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In the wake of Wales’ disappointing showing in this year’s Six Nations tournament, where they finished with the wooden spoon after five consecutive defeats, Warburton advocates for a potential play-off to safeguard their place in the prestigious event.
Despite their recent struggles, Wales faces no threat of relegation from the Six Nations, prompting Warburton to question the level of urgency within the team.
In a contrasting narrative, Georgia’s rugby prowess continues to flourish as they clinched their seventh consecutive Rugby Europe title. Overcoming Portugal in a thrilling encounter over the weekend, Georgia’s dominance underscores their growing stature in international rugby.
“I was asked the other day whether I still hold the same view about relegation from the Six Nations now that Italy are doing so much better and Wales are not — and I do,” former Wales captain Warburton wrote in his Times column.
“I do not think any home nation has a God-given right to have the cash cow of the Six Nations without any jeopardy. Maybe Wales have become complacent with their business model simply because they know they are going to be in the Six Nations for ever.
“If they knew there was the threat of relegation, maybe they would be more conscientious in ensuring that all aspects of their operation are spot on.
“If Wales had to play Georgia in a play-off this summer, that would be brilliant. I know it won’t ever happen, and maybe I am looking at this as a fan rather than a businessman, but I stick by my contention that there should be a play-off every year.”
Ben Youngs’ Six Nations Team of The Tournament:
You can listen to the full latest episode of the podcast by CLICKING HERE.
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3. Dan Cole (England)
4. George Martin (England)
5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
6. Michele Lamaro (Italy)
7. Tommy Reffell (Wales)
8. Ben Earl (England)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
10. George Ford (England)
11. James Lowe (Ireland)
12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
13. Juan Ignacio Brex (Italy)
14. Damien Penaud (France)
15. Monty Ioane (Italy)
“A liability” – Telegraph rank England’s five worst 2024 Six Nations players
Telegraph Sport conducted a thorough assessment of each England player’s performance during the Six Nations, with criticism aimed at several individuals.
One player was labeled a liability, while another is advised to come to terms with the idea that their peak playing days may be behind them.
5 players who underperformed:
#5. Alex Coles – 6/10
Coles is a member of the Premiership outfit Northampton Saints, a club he has been associated with since the age of 13. His journey with the Saints began when he joined their senior academy in the summer of 2017, eventually making his senior debut in November of the following year.
With versatility spanning across the second and back rows, Coles has represented his country from U16 level all the way through to U20, featuring prominently in the U20 Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the England senior Men’s squad ahead of the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, where he marked his debut in their narrow 30-29 defeat against Argentina.
They wrote: “A cumulative 15 minutes of action, but it is telling that England opted for no lock replacement in their final two matches.”
RUCK RATING: 6.25/10