Steve Tandy: Wales rugby uncertainty will not hit Six Nations campaign

“I understand there’s speculation and there’s doubt around a lot of things, so for me it’s being honest with them.

“If they’ve got something to share, if they’re seeking more clarity or anything they want to talk about then we have to be open.

“One thing we can’t do is run away from it or pretend it’s not happening.

“I think that worked well for us coming into the autumn, it’s far from perfect but ultimately for me it’s putting the players, the staff and the people at the centre of it.

“If they’ve got any reservations or if they want someone to talk to or to understand I’ll be doing that with the players.”

Tandy did not shy away from the situation in front of the media but the former flanker knows more than most about the pain that cutting Ospreys would cause.

The 46-year-old played 102 games for the region after coming through at Neath and then led them to the Pro12 title in 2012.

“If you were part of any club it would sting and hurt,” said Tandy. “There is lots of history with every club.

“I played and coached the Ospreys, I am proud of that but I know there is pride around Dragons, Cardiff and Scarlets.

“I am not going to comment on speculation but if I put myself in anyone’s shoes, whoever you represent, it’s going to hurt and there will be frustration and anger. Any time you lose something there will be those feelings.”