With the Men’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations disappearing further in our rear view mirror a period of reflection inevitably follows.

To call the tournament disappointing from a Welsh point of view would be the understatement of the year, but not since the great Rugby League defection in the late 1980’s has there been such a loss of talent in such a short space of time, and when you add in the list of injuries to current key players it underlines the perfect storm the international team find themselves in.

But the biggest and saddest losses of all are those greats of the game who have passed away recently, names that will forever live in the pantheon of Welsh rugby.

It has been a tough time for everyone connected with Welsh rugby let us hope there are some happier days ahead soon.

GOODBYES

Alun Wyn Jones (Retired)

Leigh Halfpenny (Retired)

Josh Navidi (Retired)

Justin Tipuric (Retired)

Dan Biggar (Retired)

Rhys Webb (Retired)

George North (Retired)

Ken Owens (Retired)

Liam Williams (Moved to Japan)

Tomas Francis (Moved to France declared unavailable)

Gareth Anscombe (Moved to Japan returned injured)

Rhys Patchell (Moved to New Zealand)

Rhys Carre (25 cap rule now illegible)

Joe Hawkins (25 cal rule now illegible)

Louis Rees-Zammit (Switched sports to NFL)

GOODNIGHTS

JPR Williams (1949-2024)

Barry John (1945-2024)

Brian Price (1937-2023)

Lewis Jones (1931-2024)

SEE YOU LATER

Taulupe Faletau (Injured)

Jac Morgan (Injured)

Taine Plumtree (Injured)

Christ Tshiunza (Injured)

Dewi Lake (Injured)