It’s a notion that former Wales captain Ryan Jones is prepared to acknowledge. His own international career between 2005 and 2015 was signified by different times, least of all four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams, and a 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final. But that was then; this is now.

Escaping the “goldfish bowl” of Welsh rugby is harder than you might imagine. It is just over a week since Warren Gatland made the bombshell decision to step down as Wales head coach. Yet even amid the anonymity of London,

Warren Gatland has apportioned some of the blame for the decline of Welsh rugby on Margaret Thatcher after claiming that the teacher strikes in the 1980s helped “kill off” the sport in schools. Gatland’s second stint in charge of Wales came to an end by mutual consent last week after presiding over a record losing run of 14 consecutive matches.

Six Nations latest build-up and updates as hosts begin life after Warren Gatland - Matt Sherratt begins his interim tenure in charge as the tournament favourites come to Cardiff

Wales begin life after Warren Gatland when they tackle Guinness Six Nations title favourites Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday. Gatland departed following Wales’ 14th successive Test defeat – a 22-15 loss to Italy – with Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt now in charge on an interim basis for three remaining Six Nations fixtures.