Lions legend JJ Williams has launched a scathing attack on the Welsh Rugby Union and demanded they appoint Gareth Jenkins as the new national coach without delay.
Williams declared the likes of chairman David Pickering and chief executive Steve Lewis should be ``ashamed'' at the mess Welsh rugby finds itself in just 12 months after celebrating a Grand Slam triumph.
Jenkins, the Llanelli Scarlets director of rugby, is the people's choice to replace Mike Ruddock, who quit in controversial circumstances midway through Wales' Grand Slam defence.
While Leeds boss Phil Davies is believed to be among the leading candidates, Williams insists Jenkins is the only option.
``It's got to be Gareth Jenkins. Can you tell me anyone else? I thought he should have had it last time,'' said Williams.
``We've had almost 10 years of foreigners and where are we? We've won one Grand Slam. Is that acceptable?
``Phil Davies would be a second choice.''
Pickering confirmed today that Jenkins, and all other potential candidates, have until Friday to submit their applications.
``There are some good people coming through. We are having some great interest,'' said Pickering.
``There is undoubtedly a lot of support for Gareth. There was a survey taken in one of the papers which said he had 35%. We fully understand and respect that.
``He is a coach who has been with the British Lions and brought great success to the Llanelli Scarlets but we are going through a professional process now and that's what we will do.''
Jenkins made clear a fortnight ago he would only consider applying for the job if changes were made at the highest level of the WRU.
The Scarlets chief felt ``publicly humiliated'' in 2004 when he was the leading candidate to replace Steve Hansen, only for the WRU to appoint Ruddock who had not even applied for the job.
But the decision by the union's 245 member clubs to call an extraordinary general meeting has encouraged Jenkins to believe there could now be changes on the executive board.
Pickering was almost within earshot as Williams launched an impassioned attack on the WRU for dragging Welsh rugby back into a political mire.
The WRU board meet tomorrow to discuss the EGM, which was called by clubs angered by the Ruddock affair.
The entire WRU management structure, including the directors, could be voted out of office - a situation that would not sadden Williams in the slightest.
``Those at the top will have to look at themselves and ask why he (Jenkins) doesn't want them,'' said Williams.
``I've been viewing rugby from afar and you glance across to Wales and see the politics and it's so disappointing. We are shooting ourselves in the foot permanantly and we should be moving on.
``I am totally disappointed in the way our game has been handled by the officers in charge. It's not just the committee (board of directors) but the coaches, the players and everyone we are handing this game over to. They should be totally ashamed of themselves.
``I thought, after the Grand Slam last year, that we were moving forward. We can do without this. We need to put this to bed.''
Williams recently returned from the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, where he watched his son Rhys finish fourth in the 400metres hurdles final.
``I'm fed up with all this politics and I think everyone is. I've just been to Australia and seen how they are getting on in their sport with investment and money from the government. We have to learn from these countries,'' said Williams.
``We in Wales haven't got enough kids playing rugby. We are Welsh for the day when the kids come down to Cardiff, we talk a good game for a day and we drink a good game.
``I hope that the kids watched this Commonwealth Games to see what other countries are doing in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. They are all doing it - and we are left behind with tribalism.''
Williams was at the launch of the Greatest Welsh Rugby Team, a brand new initiative which aims to celebrate the history of rugby in Wales and also generate income for players left hitting bad times due to injury, illness or other causes.