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Last Updated: Wednesday, 3 October 2007, 19:49 GMT 20:49 UK
Turner rules out Wales approach
Dragons coach Paul Turner
Paul Turner says the next national coach could come from within Wales
Newport Gwent Dragons coach Paul Turner has ruled himself out of the running to replace Gareth Jenkins as Wales coach.

Jenkins was sacked after Wales' loss to Fiji last Sunday ended their World Cup.

Turner also says that Wales' tactics were wrong in that match, although he believes that it did not look as if the players gave their all for Jenkins.

"The Fiji game at the weekend was all about game management and I felt the tactics were poor... it was a pretty gloomy weekend," Turner said.

"You don't go and try and play touch rugby or sevens against the world champions at that type of game.

"So we got it all wrong and I feel sorry for the way it's gone for Gareth, because I think he's a good man, an honourable man.

"There were times at the weekend that it didn't look as if the players were playing for him."

606: DEBATE
frontrowrock

Jenkins was axed by Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis and chairman David Pickering at the team hotel on Sunday and Turner has some sympathy with the former Scarlets boss.

"He'd probably be the first to admit (that it was inevitable Jenkins would lose his job), but I don't think he's been given the time," Turner added.

"If they bring someone in now it'll be on a three or four year contract.

"They (the WRU) probably could have allowed him to come back into the country before they said 'au revoir'.

"But it's been done quickly, which in a way is a good thing and as a nation we can get on with it.

"We're in the second division of world rugby again and we have to get back.

"If the right people are making the right decisions now then we can get back to strength."

Although becoming Wales coach is a role he would like to take on one day, Turner says it is too early in his coaching career to think about the national job.

"Wales coach? No, not at the moment," Turner said.

"My work is cut out trying to get this region back to the top and it's got a long way to go."

But while the WRU has said it will scour the world in search of a replacement for Jenkins, Turner says his three regional co-coaches - Lyn Jones at the Ospreys, Dai Young at Cardiff Blues and Phil Davies at Llanelli Scarlets - should also be considered.

"I do feel that the four regional head coaches worked pretty closely with Gareth, contrary to many people thinking that we don't," Turner said.

"It's a natural progression that someone should be able to take on that (the Wales coach) role."



SEE ALSO
Wales 34-38 Fiji
29 Sep 07 |  Welsh
Wales' rugby coaches
29 Mar 06 |  Welsh


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