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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ben James

Wales players warned 'unacceptable' off-field behaviour will not be tolerated on international duty

Wales players have been warned they won't last long in camp if they don't fall in line with the level of behaviour expected of a rugby international.

Player behaviour has come under the spotlight of late after Cardiff Rugby were forced to sanction a small number of players for inappropriate behaviour during a social at a city pub.

When asked whether he had kept abreast of disciplinary issues at Cardiff, Wales coach Wayne Pivac fired a warning shot across the bows of any players who weren't aware of the standards expected of them, and reiterated that players would be quickly reminded.

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"I can't think of an issue in recent times at a Welsh level," said Pivac. "Behaviour standards are dealt with on day one and I will do a presentation on Monday that will remind them of the values of the Welsh national team, values that we live by 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"That is management and players. We had a tour away in South Africa when we had a great time on and off the field.

"We worked hard in training and played reasonably well on the field, then enjoyed each other's company. The sorts of things that you hear that have gone on from time to time, in this day and age are unacceptable and no one condones it. We certainly wouldn't in our environment. People wouldn't last long."

Cardiff have addressed the investigation publicly for the first time since announcing on Sunday that sanctions had been imposed, with defence coach Richard Hodges insisting the matter had been dealt with seriously. That came after some of the fan base registered their disappointment with the statement, with the supporters' trust setting out their intentions to make that known at a meeting this week.

"I can assure them [the fans] that it was dealt with in a very serious manner," said Hodges. "I think the statement gives you the answers, whether you agree with them or not everything was mentioned in there. It's all come to a conclusion and we move on.

"I've had absolutely nothing to do with it. I was made aware of it on the Monday when I came in and it's been handled by people much higher up the food chain than myself.

"We've just continued to work with the boys who were available to us on a daily basis. I think all professional athletes understand that they have a responsibility, especially when they're in the public eye. As part of the statement that was issued, it was said that it would be reiterated back to the squad, so I just refer you back to that."

Read more:

Wayne Pivac Q&A: Why I picked Macleod over Thomas Young and Dyer over Keelan Giles

Wayne Pivac makes two difficult phone calls as Wales star told he's failed to meet physical standards required

Wales' autumn rugby squad in full as five uncapped players named and captain Dan Biggar out

Wales captain steps away from game 'sad and angry'

Revolutionary new rugby ball to be used in autumn internationals and change fan experience

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