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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ben James

Warren Gatland refuses to answer question as backroom staff set to leave

Members of Wales' backroom staff are leaving after the current Six Nations campaign concluded, although coach Warren Gatland refused to answer who they would be.

Wales ended the tournament with a fourth defeat from five against France in Paris, leaving them with a fifth-placed finish in Gatland's first tournament since returning to the post.

Despite the defeat at the Stade de France, Wales were able to produce plenty of positives - getting a bonus point for scoring four tries in a 41-28 loss.

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Speaking afterwards, captain Ken Owens revealed that the century of caps for Taulupe Faletau, as well as the half-century for Dillon Lewis, had been a motivation for a fitting performance. So too were the departures of some members of management staff.

“I was just proud of the players’ efforts all campaign," he said. "We spoke about showing character and having a special occasion for Taulupe Faletau’s 100th, Dillon Lewis’s 50th and some of our management are leaving after this game as well.

"It’s a special moment and we tried to create even more memories on that for them as well."

However, when Gatland was asked to elaborate on those departures, he simply declined to answer the question. However, we have since learned it is head of physical performance Paul Stridgeon. You can read the full story here.

After the match, several of the backroom staff, including fitness personnel, analysts and other management, could be seen taking photos together on the pitch, while all were involved in a post-match huddle with the team.

The fans' Wales Six Nations verdict: Have your say

READ MORE:

Gatland says World Cup teams will be taken aback by how good Wales will be

Wales v France player ratings as veteran stands out but others fall short in Paris

Wales finally offer World Cup hope despite defeat to France

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