Players have threatened to boycott England Six Nations game over professional contracts freeze
“Like I’ve said, I’m supportive of the players and the things that they’re trying to do, and my role is just to prepare the team for next week.”
Asked if the disagreement had affected the players, Gatland said: “The players have been great in the last few days in terms of the way they’ve [trained]. Reports have suggested the situation has left one player taking antidepressants, although Gatland insisted he was unaware of that, and that he would not expect to be given such confidential information by medical staff if that were the case.
“This is having a profound effect on players – especially those out of contract – and is placing unacceptable strain on mental health and overall wellbeing. “The cold facts are that the WRU and clubs have been paying salaries that their businesses cannot afford, so the new agreement establishes a new framework for contract negotiations.
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