Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, February 2.
Gatland's message in team meeting
Footage has been released of Warren Gatland's message to the Wales players after he announced the team to face Ireland earlier this week.
Gatland can be seen addressing the players, telling those who missed out how important their roles now are.
The returning Wales coach picked an experienced side when he made his team announcement early this week, but 14 members of the 37-man squad will play no part this weekend. Gatland made it clear what he now expects.
"The guys that miss out, if you're on the bench or not involved, I expect you to be disappointed," Gatland says in the WRU footage.
"Some guys have come in here, younger players, and are learning from that experience, but after that disappointment the important thing is how you react to that.
"I expect you to be disappointed but it is how you respond to that disappointment because our job is to get the 23 on to the field so they perform their best. You role for the rest of the week is going to be really, really important for us."
Ireland dismiss Gatland claim
Ireland have dismissed Warren Gatland's assertion that this weekend's Six Nations opener is a "free hit" for Wales against the world number one side.
Gatland had suggested Ireland's world number one status and Wales' disappointing autumn campaign meant the Welsh players could go into the game without the weight of huge expectation.
It's an assessment which was dismissed outright by Johnny Sexton.
"Maybe that's what he's saying but he certainly hasn't picked a team that would suggest it's a free hit because he's picked such an experienced team," said Sexton, who is fit and available to start following his recent facial injury.
"He has brought back some older guys that would suggest he's targeting this game.
"If he was looking at a free hit, he'd pick all the young lads, give it a lash and see if they can get through to the World Cup.
"We're definitely not preparing like that. We're preparing for a full-on Test match in the Principality Stadium which is an incredibly tough place to go and win. That's all we've been talking about and preparing for."
Gatland had said: "I suppose the free hit for us is that the expectation and pressure is on them (Ireland) to win as favourites.
"The secret, and I am sure Andy will be talking about this, is that you don't run away from that, you look to embrace the expectations of being the number one team in the world.
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Warburton calls for WRU employees to be sacked if guilty
Sam Warburton believes anyone within the WRU found guilty of any of the claims made in the BBC's bombshell documentary last week should be sacked "without remorse".
One employee, who remains employed by the WRU, is alleged to have said he wanted to rape a female colleague. Another allegedly used a racist term in a team meeting, while others made vile jokes about child sex abuse, it is claimed.
Warburton, speaking to the BBC, didn't mince his words.
"I speak passionately about the WRU and what you think might need to happen to it. I want it to be good, you are proud of it and it's part of our identity as a nation.
"It is difficult to see. There are a lot of fantastic people who work for the WRU and the shame is a minority have created this negativity from a few bad conversations.
"Don't get me wrong, they are absolutely unacceptable. As soon as they find out who it is, I would have no remorse in getting rid of them, you can't have that within your environment at all.
"It needs to be vetted from day one and an ongoing process to make sure things never escalate to that level. It is damaging and embarrassing."
Fiji coach quits
Another international coach is gone after Vern Cotter stepped down as Fiji boss eight months out from the Rugby World Cup.
It means Fiji, Wales and Australia, all of who face each other in the group stages, have changed coach less than a year out from the tournament.
Fiji Rugby chairman Humphrey Tawake told a press conference in Suva on Thursday that Cotter had resigned for personal reasons but gave no other details.
In a statement, Cotter expressed regret for his sudden departure.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players and coaches I have worked with during my time with the team,” he said.
“I feel the team has made some significant improvements over the last few years both on and off the field.
“I believe we built a great culture which was testament to some good people working hard and enjoying each other’s company and I’m disappointed to be leaving at this time.”
WRU accused of virtue signalling
The Welsh Rugby Union has been accused of "virtue signalling" over the decision to cut the song Delilah from the Princillaity Stadium choir's playlist.
The move comes after a week of catastrophic headlines for the union, which found itself accused of a toxic culture of sexism and misogyny after a series of devastating allegations.
But the decision on Sir Tom Jones' classic hasn't gone down well with many, although others have praised the move.
Welsh Conservative Sports Minister, Tom Giffard MS said: “The decision is a wrongheaded one that amounts to simple virtue signalling, designed to ease the pressure the WRU are currently under. Calls to ban the song span at least the last decade, yet the WRU have chosen now to act.
“What people have been calling for is institutional change, improved working practices and a better complaints process for the WRU, but instead they are choosing to ban a much loved Tom Jones song. This action will solve nothing.”
Read more:
Delilah song lyrics, why it's a controversial song and what Sir Tom Jones has said about it all
Johnny Sexton reveals hurt over Gatland decision and Shaun Edwards warns players about Wales
Louis Rees-Zammit posts pointed message after WRU ban Delilah from stadium
Justin Tipuric rumours addressed as contract situation clarified
WRU to be completely overhauled as full radical plans clubs will now vote on revealed
