Henry heading for messy divorce

Graham Henry could be forgiven for steering clear of the papers. But in fact he is quite likely to be keeping a close eye on them, particularly those carrying advertisements for jobs back in New Zealand.

The Kiwi - hailed the Great Redeemer after accepting the job as Wales coach three years ago - has seen his stock plunge after heading up the controversial Lions tour to Australia prior to Welsh defeats this season by Ireland, Argentina and Australia.

A little harsh? Maybe. But there is little doubt that the honeymoon is over and that this Championship season could end in divorce.

Things are so bad over the Severn Bridge that Henry described the Welsh game as a "shambles" last weekend. It is quickly falling behind its northern hemisphere neighbours and the problems are self-inflicted.

Defeat after defeat, shallow performance after shallow performance and excuse after excuse have worn a little thin.

Henry and his players have recently discovered the depth of ill-feeling.

In October, when last season's foot-and-mouth delayed Championship finally drew to a close, the fans booed the team off.