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Last Updated: Tuesday, 15 November 2005, 19:32 GMT
Hore in plea for injury rethink
Wales fitness coach Andrew Hore (left)
Wales fitness coach Andy Hore called for a review of the structure of the season because of increasing injuries.

Wales' autumn campaign has stuttered so far in the wake of their crippling injury list.

New Zealander Hore believes that the situation will only improve if the players get together to force a change.

"We are in a crisis and it's only going to get worse, the countries affected most are the smaller nations with small playing populations," said Hore.

"It's going to get worse because the likes of New Zealand and South Africa are appreciating that and instead of fielding tired teams they are giving their players the conditioning time that is going to make them bigger, faster and stronger.

"There was a report that was given to David Moffett [Welsh Rugby Union's group chief executive] which we haven't heard much more about.

We need to stop being held to ransom by the Englands and Frances of this world
Andy Hore
"The report said 25% of English players are out injured at any one time in the Guinness Premiership, and we in Wales are now playing a grade of rugby with regards the Powergen Cup, the Celtic League and the Heineken Cup where our players are getting to get smashed as much as them."

Hore, who leaves the WRU at the end of the month to take up a post with the New Zealand Academy, has suggested a restructuring of the current fixtures.

He would like to see three European conferences of 12 to 16 teams each, without any domestic rugby, and to have no promotion or relegation.

He also promotes better management of players regarding the physical side of the game.

"I would go as far as to say that the players' associations need to get their acts together and look at the collective bargaining power they have across the Six Nations," said the Kiwi.

"We need to stop being held to ransom by the Englands and Frances of this world, so Italy, Scotland, Ireland and Wales can compete effectively at both European and international levels."




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