Rugby players 'must be role models'

Friday 19 February 2010
Published By: Amy Nicholson
Six Nations > Wales

Martyn Williams has called on rugby professionals to act as role models in light of Andy Powell's ban.

The Welshman's suspension from international rugby for driving a golf buggy on a main road while intoxicated serves as a reminder that rugby players have a duty to be on their best behaviour at all times, Williams told the BBC.

With sportsmen now almost constantly in the public eye and aspiring players looking up to their colleagues, avoiding the kind of behaviour which Powell displayed on Saturday night is a must, he said.

Williams told the news provider: "It's something the younger players should be made a lot more aware of and hopefully instances recently will see to that and the boys will be a lot more careful in the future."

Meanwhile, Wales have confirmed they will be down to their third-choice hooker for the game against France, after Gareth Williams, the original replacement for Tom Rees, pulled out with a knee injury.

Posted by Amy Nicholson