Planet Rugby: Those involved in Mike Ruddock's removal as Wales coach should regret the decision in the first instance. But subsequent developments provide even further cause for repentance.
Scott Johnson, who took over, has returned home to Australia, and it seems the position is attracting few if any heavyweight applicants.
The latest to run a mile is the former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, who told the Back Page on BBC Radio Wales he would not be throwing his hat into the ring. Mitchell instead intends to see out his three-year deal with the newly formed Australian franchise Western Force, who are currently bottom and winless in the Super 14 Championship.
The one-time assistant coach to England pointed out that Wales should look within the Principality for a successor to Johnson, alighting on Llanelli coach Gareth Jenkins.
"He totally understands the passion and the personality of the Welsh and what it takes to make them click," said the Kiwi. "I think he would be an outstanding candidate. But a head coach is only as good as the support team he builds around him. He can't do it on his own.
"It's not just about coaching on the field - there's an enormous PR role; there's a lot of internal and external relationships you need to manage to be successful."
The Welsh rugby union have nominated a five-person panel to conduct a worldwide search. The former All Blacks winger and one-time Italian coach John Kirwan is so far the only man to voice interest.
Mitchell advised the WRU to narrow their search: "I'm still a great believer that a national coach should come from that country.
"It's all very well having expertise from other nations, but I think you get far more passion and sense of community from a (native) coach."
Wallace for Castres
Paddy Wallace is on his way to Castres Olympique, where he will see out the remainder of the season. The 26-year-old Ulster utility back - who has struggled to get into his provincial set-up and made only infrequent appearances in the match 22 for Mark McCall's squad this season - is taking up what is basically a two-month contract in France.
Wallace was once referred to as a strong contender for the Ireland number 10 jersey, having impressed initially in helping the Irish side to their Under-19 World Cup win in 1998, scoring a brilliant try in the final against France.
He has, however, been shunted from pillar to post ever since, playing outside centre for the national under-21 side and fullback for his province. He needed time at outhalf to mature in that position but, with the great David Humphreys the Ulster incumbent at number 10, was moved to fullback. The position never really suited him.
Wallace has been unlucky with injury, and this could be the break he needs. Leinster were reputed to be interested but it seems the PAG were less keen, hence his decision to take up the French offer.
His troubles mirror those of another former teenage prodigy, Jeremy Staunton, who is now thriving at London Wasps. We hope Wallace prospers in his new venture.
Terrible TV signal
As has been proven many times, even with the benefit of television replays it can be difficult to discern if a "try" is a try. The reason for "going upstairs" to the television match official is to ensure a correct call, something you should get every time.
There will always be times of course when even with sundry camera angles it's impossible to judge, and in such instances the old motto "If you cannot see it, you cannot give it" applies. There is no try.
It seems, however, the TMO at a recent Super 14 game between the Bulls and the Hurricanes in Pretoria erred in a rather blatant way.
Novice South African referee Linston Manuels disallowed a clear and legal try to Bulls winger Akona Ndungane that ultimately cost the South African side the match. It raised the ire of the Loftus crowd, the television commentary team, housed next door to the TMO booth, and most non-partisans who saw the incident.
South African referees manager Andre Watson, a former World Cup final referee, has admitted Manuels made a mistake and he will do "remedial" work with him. In the meantime, Manuels is relieved of any TMO duties. His gaffe hasn't barred him, however, from running the touchline in subsequent games.
Loose in Toulouse
It seems the Blue Army, swelled by 5,000 recruits, is well prepared for next weekend's Heineken European Cup trip to France. The Leinster supporters, through the official website (www.leinsterrugby.ie), have been proactive in ensuring those travelling will wear their colours with pride.
For those making the pilgrimage, a downloadable "Let Loose in Toulouse" provides fans with a "what to do and where to go" for the beautiful French city. No doubt Trevor Brennan's bar De Danu is in there somewhere.
The guide is excellent and pretty much offers all you need to make the odyssey enjoyable.
The Leinster legions will be sporting new banners and flags, as well as a new giant replica jersey. Team sponsors Bank Of Scotland Ireland will have promotional staff outside the stadium and around De Danu on match day. There will also be 50 new bodhráns courtesy of Diageo and 500 free T-shirts to give away courtesy of Richmond Recruitment.
Allez les Bleus, as the T-shirt will no doubt proclaim.
