Wales centre Nick Tompkins expressed his regret to the dedicated fans who traveled to support the team following yet another disappointing result. The 22-15 loss to Italy in Rome marked Wales’ 14th consecutive Test defeat, deepening the struggles of a side that now faces the real prospect of finishing at the bottom of the Six Nations table for a second straight year.
The defeat comes in the wake of a humiliating thrashing by France, leaving Wales without a win in eight Six Nations matches and dropping them to 12th in the World Rugby rankings—now sitting below Georgia. The fall from grace has been stark, and for the fans who have continued to support the team, the disappointment is profound.
Speaking after the match, Tompkins acknowledged their unwavering support. “It’s amazing. You want to say sorry,” he admitted. “We appreciate every bit of support they give us. We know it's tough times at the moment, but they keep supporting, and that shows what an amazing nation Wales is.
“We are trying for them. We want to keep going and hopefully, we can give them something to cheer about.”
The frustration within the squad is evident. Tompkins described the team’s struggles as "devastating," admitting that pinpointing the exact cause of their woes is difficult.
“The frustration and disappointment around the camp is there. It is hard because the boys are trying so hard and it's not quite coming off,” he explained. “The lads care a lot, and when it doesn’t come off, you’re gutted. You know how hard it is for the fans as well.”
With such a long losing streak hanging over them, the team faces the challenge of finding a way to turn things around. “We've got to try and stick together and come back. No-one is going to do it for us,” Tompkins added.
Things won’t get any easier for Wales in the coming weeks. They next face defending champions Ireland, followed by a trip to Murrayfield to take on Scotland before wrapping up their Six Nations campaign against England in Cardiff on March 15. Given their current form, even a single victory from these fixtures would be a major upset.
Meanwhile, head coach Warren Gatland is under increasing pressure. Since returning for a second tenure in charge, he has managed just six wins in 26 Tests—a stark contrast to the success he previously enjoyed with the team.
“You can’t hide from the outcomes of what is going on,” Tompkins admitted. “When we say the preparation is going well, we're working really hard in training. I promise you it’s not going undone.
“We have to keep going and keep trying, and hopefully, something comes our way.”
Despite the external pressure, Tompkins insists that solutions aren’t as simple as making one or two tactical adjustments. “I get there is frustration, but it's not as easy as saying it's one thing or the other. It's everyone together,” he said.
“All I can do as a player is keep trying and be better. That’s what we can do. It’s not as easy as saying this needs to change or that.”
Wales’ rugby history is steeped in passion and pride, but this current period is testing even the most loyal of supporters. The upcoming matches will not only define their Six Nations campaign but could also have lasting implications for the direction of the national team. With the weight of expectations pressing down, the players and coaching staff will need to find a way to restore belief—both within themselves and among their fans.
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