Warren Gatland praises Wales professionalism and denies monk like behaviour – Rugby News
Welsh national Rugby Union team’s head coach, Warren Gatland, has praised his sides professionalism after reaching the semifinals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC). However, he has denied media reports regarding their monk like existence in the RWC.
Gatland made these comments on Thursday, October 13 as the squad continues their preparations to take on France in their semi-final clash on Saturday, October 15 at Eden Park, Auckland.
Gatland praised his side’s professionalism and termed the players as Wales' great ambassadors in their 2011 RWC campaign. He said, “That's what's been important. There has been a sea-shift in terms of the professionalism and the way we have prepared.”
Gatland added that the players understand the fact that they need to demonstrate good behaviour both on and off field and need to look after these things in order to avoid any distractions, which could affect their RWC campaign.
Gatland denied the Welsh monk like existence in the RWC. He was very critical of the reports made in the media. He said, “A lot [has been] made of us being like monks and that there has been an alcohol ban. That is completely untrue. We are not whiter than
white.”
Wales are the surprise semifinalist of the tournament after they kicked off their RWC campaign by delivering an exceptional performance against the defending champions, Springboks. Although a late fight saved the Springboks’ day, Wales controlled the game
most of the time, which shocked many of their followers.
Wales finished second behind the Springboks in Pool D. Aside from their opening defeat against the Springboks, Wales won their remaining three pool games, which includes their two-bonus point’s victories.
Wales registered their semifinal outing against France after delivering an upset 22 – 10 defeat to their European rivals and match favourites, Ireland on Saturday, October 8 at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
Gatland confirmed that the management has not imposed any sort of alcohol ban on the players. He added, “There has been no alcohol ban in this squad. Some of the stuff has been self-imposed by players. We have had a couple of nights when we have gone back
to the hotel and we've had a drink.”
Gatland further added that the team management and senior players have discussed imposing a curfew on players going out after they returned from the match but it never materialised. He added that after their night games, they have allowed the players to
go out but to be back in the hotel by 1:30 in the morning. He confirmed that some players might have drank beer with no one taking strong alcohol.
Tags: