Professional players from Welsh rugby warned that many of their members are “reluctantly searching security elsewhere” amid uncertainty surrounding the sport’s financial future.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), has not yet agreed future funding with the leading teams Cardiff Dragons, Ospreys, Scarlets, and Ospreys.
This has resulted in a halt to player contract negotiations.
“For the sanity, and health of our players, the delay cannot continue any longer,” stated the union.
Within days of news that Will Rowlands, Wales and Dragons lock, had committed his future to Racing 92, the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA), WRPA reacted quickly.
During the a social media exchange centred on Rowlands’ situation, Nigel Walker, WRU performance director, claimed that the 31-year old turned down an extension to his contract last summer. However, he confirmed that there is currently a freeze on signing contracts and recruiting while the WRU regions continue to negotiate the future finances of professional teams.
Walker responded to the WRPA statement by saying: “The WRU is acutely conscious of player anxiety and is working tirelessly towards a long-term, sustainable solution alongside all regions. All parties are represented in ongoing Professional Rugby Board discussions. We are hopeful that we can reach a settlement.
“We know how difficult it can be for players and regions during this period when contract negotiations are suspended as a result of ongoing PRB talks.
“Agreeing a multiyear deal is crucial for the long-term sustainability professional rugby in Wales.
“Malcolm Wall [PRB’s independent chair] We will be meeting with the WRPA Wednesday to discuss ways we can collaborate over the next weeks to plan and implement an action program that gives players certainty in the shortest time frame.
“Market uncertainty isn’t confined to Wales. The WRU has already taken steps and will continue to do so. It does everything possible to prevent similar scenarios outside of Wales that have led to financial collapses of clubs.
Cardiff coach Dai Young was also among those to express concern, More than 40% of his former players will be out on contract next summer.
According to the WRPA statement released Sunday, players are looking for security outside of Wales. This week, it was suggested that the first well-known player would move to France. This will clearly have a negative effect on both the domestic and international games in Wales.
“The continued delay however is having an adverse effect on the wellbeing and performances across the regions.
“The players of all four regions unite to demand that the impasse be resolved immediately. The fear of the unknown is a constant threat to our members.
“Several players are currently out of contract at June 2023. Due to an embargo placed on contract negotiations, they are unable talk about, let alone secure employment for the future six months.
“They don’t know if they have a job or an income to pay their bills and mortgages. It is a difficult situation to live with on a daily basis.”
Banks require proof of income to verify that players are able to remortgage their mortgages or obtain new mortgages. Banks are refusing to lend money at the moment, as there is no guarantee of employment after six months.
Wayne Pivac cannot allow players to play for a non-Wales team unless they have at least 60 caps.
Deals between the regions of Wales and the game’s governing board in Wales are handled by the Professional Rugby Board, (PRB), with an independent chair in Wall, a former Harlequins chairman.
The PRB consists of the four regional representatives, Alun Jones (Cardiff Rugby), David Buttress (Dragons), Nick Garcia (Ospreys) and Simon Muderack (Scarlets), along with WRU CEO Steve Phillips, WRU finance director Tim Moss and two independent members, being Wall as chair and also Marianne Økland.
Walker, Jon Daniels (chair of the rugby management boards), attends the PRB meetings.
The WRPA stated that it was in regular communication “with all key stakeholders regarding the current negotiations to develop a long-term financing model for the four regions”.
“We support a long-term deal, which will give stability to our members going forward,” said the body of players.
The statement continued, “Players continue to take the field every week, exposing themselves for injury, which would leave their vulnerable when they negotiate contracts anywhere in the world, let alone Wales.
“We’ve already seen three well-known players fall prey to this in the autumn, but it’s not the’squad players’ who are leaving themselves open to being left behind, since they won’t be able to choose between clubs or wages moving forward.
“The financial crisis facing rugby in England and Wales has been widely reported in recent months. The speculations of salary and team size reductions have only increased the concern and anxiety among professional players.
“As an association our role is to represent, support and assist our members with player welfare at the top of our priority list.
“Daily talks on this subject are taking place across all four regions, and as the time goes by, we become increasingly concerned about the wellbeing and mental well-being of our members.
“The delay is unacceptable for the health and safety of our members. The Union and the four regions must immediately reach an agreement.
“We participated in the process diligently, but we must replace patience with action.
“The WRPA, a voice that represents the main asset of the game, players, must be heard in order to ensure a long-term, united future.”
Ashton Hewitt, a Dragons wing, is chairman of the WRPA executive board. This includes George Nott, Ellis Bevan and Cardiff’s Lloyd Williams, Scott Baldwin of Ospreys and Scarlets’ Rhys Patchell, Scott Williams, and Dan Evans.