Wales head coach Steve Tandy has said the possibility of strike action by his players during the Six Nations is just “speculation” for now amid more off-field uncertainty over the future of the nation’s club teams.<\/p>\n
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has proposed cutting one of its four men’s professional sides – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.<\/p>\n
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Two consortiums have submitted final bids for Cardiff and reportedly Ospreys owners, Y11 Sport & Media, are the preferred bidder, allowing the two sides to effectively become one team.<\/p>\n
That development has sparked uproar among fans and led to speculation Wales players, many of whom possibly face losing their jobs, could take strike action with the Six Nations looming.<\/p>\n
Three years ago, during a similar fractious upheaval in Welsh rugby, the threat of strike action was withdrawn at the last minute to ensure a Six Nations match against England went ahead.<\/p>\n
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“I think that’s more speculation, but what I will do is constantly be in dialogue with the players, how they are feeling, (if they have) any frustrations,” said Tandy, who named a 38-man squad for the Six Nations on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Former flanker Tandy made over 100 Ospreys appearances between 2003 and 2012.<\/p>\n
The 46-year-old went on to coach the region for six years until 2018, leading them to Pro 12 title silverware.<\/p>\n
“If you were part of any club (that disappeared) it would sting and hurt. There is lots of history with every club,” added Tandy.<\/p>\n
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On the field, Wales have not won a Six Nations game for two years and face a daunting start this time around, away to England on February 7 and at home to France eight days later.<\/p>\n
Tandy has won only one of his first four games since taking charge last year, including a record 73-0 home defeat by South Africa in November.<\/p>\n
However, he claims to have seen signs of progress.<\/p>\n
“I thought there were lots of green shoots in the autumn,” he said. “I think the important thing for us is building on that.”<\/p>\n
Hooker Dewi Lake has been named captain for the campaign in the absence of injured British and Irish Lions flanker Jac Morgan.<\/p>\n
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