Rugby Union: Glorious Interludes Wedged Between War Games ; Review of the Year 2008 the Rugby Year Simon Roberts Wraps Up Our Review of 2008 by Looking at the Triumphs and Battles - On and Off the Field - in a Remarkable 12 Months of Rugby

Summary

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THE year ended as it began with Welsh rugby at war with itself - but what a remarkable ride in the intervening 12 months.

It began with our rugby nation's usual inferiority complex, insecurity and 'blame culture' raging around after Wales' early exit from the 2007 World Cup.

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Rugby Union: Glorious Interludes Wedged Between War Games ; Review of the Year 2008 the Rugby Year Simon Roberts Wraps Up Our Review of 2008 by Looking at the Triumphs and Battles - On and Off the Field - in a Remarkable 12 Months of Rugby

The repercussions and recriminations flew around as 2008 dawned.

Everything was wrong, from the academy structure, to the number of overseas players plying their trade here, to the standard of the Magners League.

But help was at hand - Welsh rugby's latest messiah was beginning a remarkable redemption.

Warren Gatland's tenure as Wales' 20th national coach was less than a month ...

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