The Welsh Rugby Players’ Association say that “players have had enough” amid the ongoing uncertainty caused by Welsh rugby’s professional contracts freeze; strike action remains a possibility ahead of Wales’ clash with England in the Six Nations on Saturday
Last Updated: 19/02/23 8:37pm
Wales professional rugby board have “apologised” unreservedly for the contract dispute that has led to threat of strike action from players
Professional Rugby Board chair Malcom Wall has apologised unreservedly to Welsh players for the “stress and real discomfort” caused by the current contract dispute.
A new six-year financial agreement between the Welsh Rugby Union and Wales’ four professional regions – Dragons, Cardiff, Ospreys and Scarlets – has not yet been signed off in writing after months of discussion.
The regions are braced for financial cuts, but no playing budgets have been finalised for next season, so no contracts can be offered in writing.
The situation has led to a threat of strike action by Wales players, leaving the upcoming Guinness Six Nations clash against England in jeopardy.
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Wales head coach Warren Gatland says he does not support his players striking but insists he understands why if they do.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland says he does not support his players striking but insists he understands why if they do.
Speaking on the BBC’s Scrum V programme, Wall said: “We’ve been working on a long-term secure and sustainable funding model for frankly too long.
“I absolutely recognise the fact we haven’t got that funding model in place is having an impact on ability to offer contracts and I unreservedly apologise on behalf of the PRB for the stress and real discomfort that players obviously feel.
“We will push very hard to complete this, but it is complex. We’re trying to put a six-year framework in place that will total over £315m.
“It has been very complex, we are very close to it. We’ve got a long-form documentation, we now have to go throu …