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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ben James

'Don't burn your own house down!' Ospreys chief asks other regions to stay quiet on social media

Ospreys chief Nick Garcia has asked his fellow regional bosses to not to speak out on Welsh rugby's issues on social media.

With the game's problems only becoming more apparent, the likes of David Buttress and Simon Muderack, from the Dragons and Scarlets, have been vocal on the issues facing them. However, Garcia believes speaking about them publicly isn't doing Welsh rugby any good.

"I'd say [the relationship]with the WRU and with all the regions, it's good," said Garcia in a clip from a fans' Q&A posted on social media. "We all know there's a problem that needs fixing.

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"Everyone is motivated by strong regions and a strong national team. I spend a large amount of time with David, Simon, Alun [Jones] and Steve [Phillips] working on this problem from a number of angles.

"For me, it's good and it's normal. I'm told it's not normal. So that's a good, positive move forward. I'd say relations are quite good. I've been doing it for a year.

"I thought it might have been done quicker. It's taken some time but at least it's moving forward positively. I think people are seeing now that we need a long-term plan, not just a short-term fix.

"I don't get shouting off in the media. Sport is about positivity, competition and quality. That's the positive equity that excites us every weekend to follow it.

"I don't think people from boardrooms saying it's all doomed from their social media channels, or any media channels, serves the game in any way. I can't think of one positive thing that has come out of it.

"I will not do it and I've also said to the other chairs that I would really appreciate it if they don't do it. You can really see how much they listen to me!

"No, but my view is don't burn your own house down. This is our house, we've got to fix it. There's no point in shouting about what's wrong with it. Just focus on fixing it."

In response to a video of Garcia's answer, one Twitter user asked what are the positives about not speaking out publicly?

Dragons chair Buttress replied directly to that tweet, saying: "Zero, people aren’t children and people aren’t blind. An intelligent debate is what Welsh rugby needs more of not less of. And let me just add, sometimes to build things you absolutely have to break things. That’s life and business."

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