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17th July 2024
01:12pm BST
Fans have accused Warren Gatland of ‘asking to be sacked’ after selecting Cory Hill to captain Wales for Friday’s clash with Queensland Reds.
In May 2021, Hill was involved in an incident which saw a group of men attack a woman’s home and the lock has not started for the national side since.
At the time, the victim said she feared for her and her children’s lives but charges were not brought against Hill.
Last month, Gatland stated that he felt time was a healer and that it was time for the 32-year-old to return to the squad.
He came off the bench against the Wallabies in the first Test earlier this month and again a week later as they lost 36-28 in Melbourne.
After it was announced he’d been made captain for the uncapped clash, Hill appeared at a press conference where he apologised for his previous mistakes.
Hill said: “That incident happened three years ago. Do I regret it? Yes, of course I do.
“I made a mistake and I am sorry. But speaking about the game on Friday, I’m chuffed to be captain.”
“There’s always going to be negative reaction to mistakes someone has made in the past. Like Warren said, I’ve been honest and open here. The issue was dealt with by the club and authorities three years ago. It was a mistake. I hold my hand up and I am sorry for what happened.”
He previously captained Wales in summer of 2018 but said he never thought he’d be given the opportunity to lead the side out again.
“I probably never thought I would get that to captain Wales again. I’d like to thank Warren for having trust in me.”
However, many have slammed Gatland’s decision, including presenter and reporter Beth Fisher who wrote on X: “An absolutely disgraceful decision to make Cory Hill captain. Just when you thought they couldn’t set any more bad examples…”
Another person said: “You know Welsh rugby is at a low point when Cory Hill is named as captain, shocking decision!”
Gatland has come under increasing pressure after losing nine tests in a row. He offered to step down after Wales’ disastrous Six Nations campaign but it was rejected by the Welsh Rugby Union.
One fan joked that he was trying to get himself sacked with this latest move saying: “Gatland surely asking to be fired by picking Cory Hill as his captain. I’ll be cheering on the Reds.”
