Wales players want answers over Ospreys-Scarlets turmoil – Jones

Alun Wyn Jones says Wales’ players will seek an explanation for off-field chaos which has overshadowed the build-up to the crunch clash with Scotland when the Six Nations ends.

There was a feel-good factor in Welsh rugby following the win a victory over England that put Warren Gatland’s side top of the table, but talk of a merger between the Scarlets and the Ospreys brought an air of uncertainty to the squad this week.

On Wednesday, the Scarlets declared a proposal for the rival regions to unite was “off the table” after the Ospreys had a late change of heart.

Wales captain and Ospreys lock Jones said the turmoil has disrupted the players, but they remain focused on the job in hand ahead of Saturday’s round-four encounter at Murrayfield.

“There are no words I can say about anything that’s happened this week.” said the talismanic skipper.

“You don’t want to be too profound. We’re aware it’s not just about the guys in the national squad, it’s the guys in the regions as well and their staff.

“For us it’s not a case of carry on regardless, it’s a case of being sympathetic to the situation. We want a few more answers after the Six Nations, but we’ve got a job to get on with.

“It has been tough. We’ve been a bit splintered this campaign, but there has been communication with the senior group and we’ve tried to reassure as much as we can. It is difficult when we don’t know the full situation.

“Whatever career you are in, you always have other distractions. Ultimately, we are professional rugby people and we focus on the rugby, that’s the easy bit. We are not politicians, so we don’t have to delve too much into that.”

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