Gatland: Strike threat caused 'significant split' in Welsh squad

Warren Gatland has revealed that a threat of possible player strike action before Wales' Guinness Six Nations clash against England caused "quite a significant split" and "tension" within his squad.

Wales head to Rome for a Six Nations appointment with Italy on Saturday, having lost their opening three games.

Another defeat, and a first Six Nations wooden spoon for 20 years beckons, given that Wales’ final fixture is against France in Paris.

A crushing contractual and financial back-drop has engulfed Welsh regional rugby, with all four professional teams – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – facing major funding cuts, leading to vastly-reduced contract offers for many players whose deals expire at the end of this season, and a player exodus appears inevitable.

Along with thorny subjects like Wales’ former 60-cap national selection rule and fixed-variable contracts, off-field problems led to the prospect of a players’ strike before England’s Cardiff visit last month.

Although a strike was averted and the England game went ahead as scheduled, with Steve Borthwick’s team winning 20-10, Wales head coach Gatland said: "In terms of the stuff that was going on off the field, that definitely had an impact.

"There was quite a significant split in the group over which way to go, and I think that definitely caused some tension within the group for a couple of weeks.

"I think if things do get signed and get sorted and we get Welsh rugby back on the right track, I think it will be positive for everyone.

"Time was the healer. It was definitely quite fractious there, which is understandable because people have different opinions.

"I don’t have an issue with that, but sometimes that can create tension and on reflection that definitely