The team are now anxiously awaiting the latest round of Covid tests after the player was ordered to leave the squad
Wales have sent winger Josh Adams home from their Six Nations camp, and suspended him for two games, after a Covid-19 protocol breach. Adams attended a family gathering, which he was not permitted to do, and has been swiftly sanctioned.
The move from the WRU comes just four days before their championship opener against Ireland in Cardiff. Having mixed with squad members after the family gathering, then returned to Wales’ bio-secure team hotel, all involved with the team will be hoping the latest round of Covid tests do not bring up any positives.
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Wales head coach Wayne Pivac did not spare his player in a firmly worded statement, which read:
“We are extremely disappointed with the breach and have acted robustly and swiftly to take all appropriate measures. All players and management have received detailed briefings and education regarding our protocols, and everyone has a responsibility to abide by the rules.
“On this occasion, Josh has made an error of judgement, he made a mistake and he has shown immediate remorse.
“He was present at a small, immediate family gathering to celebrate a milestone with those close to him but that is against the rules and action had to be taken.
“All members of the national squad have received extensive Covid-19 protocol briefings and education. We will continue with our programme, which has been very effective to date, and remind everyone of their responsibility to not only adhere to the extensive measures in place but also to set an example.
“We will work with Josh in relation to his integration back into camp following a further testing and re-education process.”
During a round of Wednesday press interviews, Pivac told Press Association, “Josh has embarrassed himself, he has had to leave the team and he will do his penance at home.”
Wales’ Josh Adams scores his side’s third try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 game against Georgia. (Photo by Ashley Western/MB Media/Getty Images)As for the player himself, he also released a repentant statement via the Welsh Rugby Union:
“I would like to apologise unreservedly.
“When out of camp, at the weekend, I made an error of judgement. I attended a small gathering of immediate family to celebrate a family milestone.
“It was wrong to do this. I’m aware that everyone needs to follow the rules and being in the public eye I have a responsibility to lead by example and I’ve fallen short on this occasion.
“I’d like to apologise to my teammates and to our supporters for my mistake.”
The Wales squad will undergo Covid testing on Thursday with the results coming back on Friday evening. If there are a swathe of negatives, Adam will be permitted to re-join the squad next Monday, after the Ireland game.
If there are positives, there could be hell to pay and we could see Welsh players having to pull out of the opener.
