By Lestyn (04/06/03)
June 4 2003

There are two big stories in Wales at the moment. First of all is Steve Hansen's future and a possible ref's strike is on the cards. In other news more about the regions and more player movements.

•Steve Hansen has been linked with a return to New Zealand with either Wakito or Otago. The Kiwi coach is unlikely to extend his stay in Wales when his contract expires after the World Cup. Both Super twelve sides have been left coach less after this years tournament. Before Hansen joined Wales as Graham Henry's assistant in 2001, he had had a very successful time in charge of Canterbury, so there's very little surprise that the Kiwi's want him back.

Obviously he won't be missed much in Wales where he's achieved absolutely nothing in his time in charge. Even though the quality and intensity of our domestic game hasn't been strong during his time in charge, however the team is going backwards more and more every game. Why he insists on still playing players like Charvis, Gareth Llewellyn and Mark Jones who offer very little. Gareth Jenkins or Mike Ruddock must get the job next surely? Time for the blazers to plan ahead for once..

•Gwent's Percy Montgomery was lucky to get away with a two year ban, well only really a six month ban with an eighteenth month suspended one. The Blonde headed South African claims his push on the touch judge was in retaliation for the official swearing at Shane Howarth. It's a shame that Monty will miss the world cup after his display for the Baa Baa's on Saturday. Oh well there's always Brett Davey for Mike Ruddock to turn to . Oh dear?

The decision has not gone down well with the referee's society, who are now threatening strike action, claiming the ban handed out is not "severe" enough.

• Big press conference on Friday, where all will be revealed about the Cardiff regional teams. Rumours on the message board have suggested the new name will be the Cardiff Blues. The full squad is also being announced, Johnny Vaughton's future will also be revealed whether or not the Swansea youngster chooses to stay at the Neath-Swansea team or move to the capital.

•Having already mentioned one Welsh Kiwi in Shane Howarth, another Matt Cardey has signed for Phil Davies's Leeds. Cardey who is also joined by former Llanelli lock Scott Morgan. Cardey is really a loss to the Welsh game, he's barely featured for Llanelli in the last two seasons following a promising start that led to a brief appearance in the national team against Scotland in 2001.

Glad to see the team finally made it to Auckland then...