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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Mathew Davies

Wales team supporting Dan Lydiate after father's death before game

Wales coach Wayne Pivac has praised Dan Lydiate for the professionalism he has shown this week following the death of his father last weekend.

John Lydiate past away before his son was named in the team to face Argentina on Saturday, with Lydiate taking to the field to represent his country at the Principality Stadium.

He and his team-mates wore black armbands as a mark of respect for his father, with Lydiate bowing his head during the anthems. Unfortunately, he had to leave the field after 28 minutes due to a wrist injury.

READ MORE: Dan Lydiate lines up for Wales days after dad's death as players honour him

But Pivac reserved a special mention for Lydiate in his post-match press conference, also referencing happier news for Gareth Thomas, who has just welcomed a baby into his family.

The New Zealander added that Lydiate would receive the support of players and the team management.

"Gareth Thomas is now pleased to be a father for the first time. That happened during the week," Pivac said.

"Very good planning because it happened on the day off on Wednesday. So a lot of credit has to go to his wife for that. Obviously he’s very happy that he’s not only a dad, but he’s had that performance tonight and got a win.

"Dan Lydiate, a special mention. It’s very, very sad, the passing of his father last weekend. I don’t know what else I can say except he’s got the full support of this team as players and the management around him.

"He’s been so professional throughout the week and to deal with that, to go out there and I thought he threw himself into the game.

"Unfortunately he picked up an injury but I’ve nothing but praise for Dan and the way he’s handled himself throughout the week."

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