Welsh rugby crisis has galvanised players, says Owens

Ken Owens says he never wants to experience a repeat of the off-field crisis that engulfed Welsh rugby and threatened Saturday's showpiece Guinness Six Nations clash against England.

Wales captain Owens will lead his "galvanised" team out at the Principality Stadium just 72 hours after a possible national squad strike was averted.

Compromises were ultimately found with Welsh rugby powerbrokers over contentious issues like Wales' 60-cap selection policy for players plying their trade outside the country and fixed-variable contracts across the regional game.

Against such a back-drop, Wales must somehow try to revive a Six Nations campaign that started with crushing defeats at the hands of Ireland and Scotland.

Wales have not lost their first three Six Nations games since 2003, although their recent record against England in Cardiff is impressive, having won five of the last seven encounters.

"It has been a shock to all the players," Owens said, reflecting on matters away from the pitch.

"There were a lot of tough conversations and meetings, everyone voiced their opinion and everyone backed the decision that the team and the squad have made.

"It (strike action) was a last resort, and the frustrations that have built up over a year, not just the last six weeks, brought it to this.

"The squad has been galvanised and come together, and I am sure you will see that on Saturday.

"It is a shame it got as far as it did, but what is done is done, what has gone has gone. We have made a stand, we have made people stand up and take notice and showed the strength we have as a playing group.

"And if we can move on now and concentrate on the rugby, the powers that be will get things done and the players will have their seat at the table and a voice