LA ROCHELLE head coach Ronan O'Gara has expressed his concern for Welsh international rugby ahead of their clash with Ireland. Last Saturday, Wales sank to a new low as Italy completed back-to-back wins over the Dragons for the first time at Rome's Stadio Olimpico. Following the defeat, the WRU parted ways by mutual consent with Warren Gatland on Tuesday. It follows a record run of 14 successive Test match defeats. And speaking prior to Gatland's departure, the former Ireland and Munster out-half expressed his worry at the lack of quality players coming through the Welsh Rugby Union. He weighed-in on the matter during BBC's coverage of Scotland's defeat against Ireland, the 47-year-old said the Welsh side lack a spine. ROG admitted he was sad after growing up watching "Welsh Giants" play the game in his childhood. He said: "I've never seen this before. Ever since I was growing up, Wales were nearly market leaders in rugby. "I grew up watching 101 Best Tries and all these Welsh giants of the game. We got all our ideas from watching them. "They inspired everyone coming through—whether you were Irish or Welsh, it didn't matter—because these guys showed us the way. "In my playing days, they were always really good and competitive, and I kind of feel like I've been in a bubble and missed a bit. "Fourteen losses didn’t register with me... but when you stand back from it, you realise how incredibly serious the situation is. "I just think the spine of their team is completely lacking because you need experience at 2, 8, 9, 10, and 15. Then, you can maybe build rookies around that. "But at the minute, where’s your starting point? It looks very difficult in terms of how you set up a team to succeed or even to compete. Right now, after 30 minutes, the game is over." Ireland, seeking to become the first side to win three successive titles outright, face trips to lowly Wales and Italy between a potentially crucial home game against France on March 8. The Wales vs Ireland is set for Saturday, 22 February at the Principality Stadium with Kick-off 2.15pm.