Gatland 'surprised' by Parry leaving Wales squad

Sam Parry has played seven internationals for Wales

Wales head coach Warren Gatland says he did not mean to "disrespect" hooker Sam Parry after the Ospreys hooker left the summer training squad.

Parry, 32, chose to walk out last Monday before the summer international against Springboks and two-Test tour of Australia.

His decision came after being told by Gatland he was a fringe member of the party.

With Scarlets front-rower Ryan Elias rested for the summer programme, Parry was one of four hookers originally named alongside Dewi Lake, Evan Lloyd and Elliot Dee in the 36-man training squad which would be trimmed to 34 for Australia.

When the squad came together at the beginning of this week, Gatland had told Parry he was only going to be acting cover for Wales' other three hookers.

Gatland claims he was being honest with Parry about where he stood in the Wales pecking order with the player reported as feeling he had been disrespected.

"I was straight up with him and told him what the situation he was in the squad," said Gatland.

"We've put a release out to all the players that we'd picked a squad of 37 and we were only taking 34 on tour.

"I just wanted to be straight up and front up. As a player, I'd like to know where I actually stood.

"I said that he was initially covering for Elliot (Dee) with the injury. So, I was clear in that.

"I said 'look I don't want to stuff you around, you've been brilliant for us when you've come in with us the past and we'll just see what happens with that.

"So, I'm not sure how I disrespected him there."

'No disrespect intended' - Gatland

Warren Gatland's Wales have lost their last seven internationals

Gatland held a meeting with the players last Monday which has further reportedly upset Parry, who felt he wasn't mentioned in the same breath as the other hookers in the squad.

"I talked on Monday about competition within the squad," said Gatland.

"I thought there was some real competition with the hookers. I didn't mention them by name.

"I didn't want to leave Sam out so I said Sam as well. If I've upset him there was no intention to.

"There was definitely nothing from me in terms of trying to disrespect him. I just wanted to be honest and upfront with him."

Gatland says he was surprised Parry walked out and says he wished he had spoken to him.

"He didn't talk to me," said Gatland.

"You need to talk to Sam because he hasn't spoken to anyone.

"I understand his agent has been pretty vocal and stuff which is a little bit disappointing.

"But I suppose I understand how people take things differently and you've just got to deal with that, whether he's had any regrets.

"I know he's good friends with Gareth Thomas (Wales prop) and Gareth contacted him straight away and said 'look just get on the phone and ring him.

"Hopefully we could have sorted it out."

Wales door not closed on Parry

After Parry left the squad, Dragons hooker Dee was ruled out of the tour through an injury suffered in training.

So the irony is Parry would have travelled to Australia had he not left but instead Cardiff's Efan Daniel, 21, has been called into the squad.

With Gatland naming his squad on Monday, Daniel is set to travel to Australia alongside fellow Cardiff rookie Lloyd and Lake who was outstanding after captaining Wales against the Springboks.

"I'd never close the door on a player," said Gatland.

"Whether he's had any regrets about his decision. Sometimes people make compulsive decisions and players as well.

"I'm the first person to be able to forgive someone in terms of putting their hand up.

"I don't get everything right and make mistakes so you've got to have a little bit of compassion somewhere, that if it was impulsive considering the next day Elliot pulled out with an injury, he would have been on the plane.

"So whether he has any regrets about that, I'm not too sure."

'Players need to be shown respect'

The agent Gatland name checked is former Wales lock Derwyn Jones, whose management company represents Parry.

Jones told BBC Radio Cymru: "I haven't spoken to Sam, but I've read the article.

"Warren has never been somebody who communicates a lot with players.

"These days I feel you have to be really detailed with how you deal and talk with players.

"If you don't deal with players by showing respect, something is going to happen.

"Sam has left the squad and since then, Elliott Dee picked up an injury and Efan Daniel has been called up to the squad.

"Gatland should look at himself and say 'I was wrong', but unfortunately, the talk is, and what he's saying is, he feels he hasn't done anything wrong and the door is open for Sam to talk with him, which is a bit typical of Warren Gatland."