Gatland’s Door Remains Open for Parry After Ospreys Hooker’s Departure
According to Wales head coach Warren Gatland, the door remains open for Ospreys hooker Sam Parry, who left the national squad this week. Parry will not be traveling with the team to Australia for the two-Test tour against the Wallabies, nor was he named in the lineup to face South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.
Parry, who is not injured, has been reported as feeling “disrespected” by Gatland, with claims that the Wales coach indicated to him that he was only included in the summer training squad to help prepare the other three hookers for the Australia tour. Parry was one of four hookers originally named in Wales’ 36-man training party, along with Dewi Lake, Evan Lloyd, and Elliot Dee, while Scarlets’ Ryan Elias was rested for the summer program.
“I didn’t see anything where he has actually said anything. You need to talk to him, my door is always open in terms of having a discussion with any players in the squad if they have any feelings or need anything clarified.” – Warren Gatland
The head coach further emphasized, “We were very clear in discussions with him earlier in the week when he came into the squad. If he wants to reach out, I am more than happy to talk to him.”
After Parry’s departure, Dragons hooker Dee was ruled out of the tour due to an injury suffered in training with Cardiff. Efan Daniel, a 21-year-old Cardiff rookie, has been called up to the squad and is set to travel to Australia alongside fellow Cardiff player Lloyd and Lake, who will captain Wales against the Springboks.
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