Winners and losers as Gatland steps back into the chaos, Pivac goes with dignity and players break silence

Warren Gatland has been appointed as the new coach of Wales. Wayne Pivac was relieved of the role. The weekend saw defeats for Wales' regions.

Gatland retires and Pivac takes over.

Warren Gatland starts his second stint as Wales head coach. He won't have Shaun Edwards by his side this time. The current generation of top-quality players is older and some of them are unlikely to go on much further than the next World Cup. Gatlands has a skill for getting the best out of players. He makes them believe in themselves and in his ability to take them forward.

Welsh Rugby Players' Association has released a statement. Players are worried about not knowing if they'll have jobs for next season and beyond. The association is concerned for the welfare and mental wellbeing of its members. It is demanding an agreement between the Union and four regions. Cardiff, alone, will see 40 percent of the squad heading for free-agents status. They have participated in the process but the calls for patience must be replaced with action. WRPA is a voice representing the main asset in rugby.

The failure to resolve the issues between the players and the club is appalling. The players' union has a duty to come up with a settlement that will resolve these matters sooner rather than later.

Jonah Holmes left Welsh rugby in the summer to join Ealing Trailfinders. He scored a hat-trick of tries in their opening game against Nottingham. Simon Uzoke has been impressed by him. Holmes was nominated for the division's player of the month award for November. Last weekend he was man of match in Eingling's win over Cornish Pirates.

Josh Turnbull, Thomas Young and James Botham are the best back rowers in the Welsh rugby. Turnbull has been called on by Wales only once in his 20 years playing rugby in Wales. Young is having a superb season and Both am excelled against the Bulls.

Neath are top of the Admiral Welsh Championship. Pontypool are second, while Cross Keys are third. Neath play Pontypool on February 18. CrossKeys play Cardiff on the same day. Welsh All Blacks won at Ystrad Rhondda. They beat Alex Webber, Kurtis Williams and Mason Roderick.

Wayne Pivac has been fired as Wales rugby coach. He was fired after defeat by Georgia. PIVAC will get a payoff for the remainder of his contract. He conducted himself with dignity throughout his tenure. However, coaches are judged on results and Pivoach had three wins in 12 games in 2022.

Jonathan Davies was angry with the referee Ben Blain after his team lost to the Lions. He was upset because Sam Costelow was yellow-carded for a seatbelt tackle and Darrien Landsberg was allowed to continue despite hitting Vaea Fifita with a swinging arm to his face. Blaine had earlier told Davies that not all contact to a head is foul play.

Regions played with spirit in South Africa over the weekend. Ospreys, Dragons, Cardiff, Scarlets and Lions lost. The structure of the season is a mess. The losses will give ammunition to those who have no time for the regions. Gatland steps back into the chaos. Pivac goes with dignity.