'Weak foreign players' ruining our chances

Nov 19 2007 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

WELSH rugby chiefs today came under a stinging attack following the Heineken Cup flop at the weekend.

Of the four Welsh regions only Cardiff Blues – who drew 13-13 at Harlequins – remain in decent shape after a quartet of encounters with English sides. The Dragons and Scarlets are doomed, while the Ospreys’ defeat to Gloucester leaves their hopes hanging by a thread.

And Echo columnist John Scott insists something must be done about the structure in Wales which is not yielding the conveyor belt of homegrown talent being enjoyed by the English, with too many average foreign players blocking the path.

“Playing English clubs in the EDF Energy Cup is one thing, but taking them on in the Heineken Cup is another,” says Scott in his column today. “The worry for Wales is that while England will have options in virtually every position in the coming years, will the regional system serve Wales well?

“Warren Gatland has already pointed out the problem he has in certain positions – Martyn Williams and Marty Holah are the two outstanding open-sides – but neither is available to him.

“Similarly, the Scarlets and the Blues are playing non-Welsh tight-head props and fielded two blind-side flankers on Saturday who were Irish and Tongan.

“Foreign players should be kept to a minimum with only four professional sides being run and while players such as Marty Holah, Regan King and Xavier Rush make a difference, what are the likes of Maama Molitika, Deacon Manu and Taufa’ao Filise bringing?

“They are journeymen keeping out Welsh players.”

Scotty: Monday Sport