Wales rugby team announcement Live as Gatland names side for England match early

21.02.2023 - 10:53 walesonline.co.uk

Warren Gatland is set to name his Wales team to face England earlier than expected as the threat of a player strikes looms large.A six-year financial agreement between the Welsh Rugby Union and four regional sides has not been made, meaning Cardiff, Scarlets, Dragons and Ospreys don't know their budgets for next season and beyond, with 70-plus players who are out of contract in just a few months in limbo.Wales players are threatening to refuse to play England in the Six Nations this Saturday if their demands are not met by Wednesday: they want the Welsh Rugby Players' Association to have a seat at the Professional Rugby Board meetings, for the controversial 60-cap rule to be scrapped, and for the PRB to review proposed fixed-variable contracts that would see only 80% of players' wages guaranteed and the remaining 20% paid in bonuses and the like.

Read the latest on that here.Hosting Wales v England in Cardiff is likely to inject around £10million into the Welsh Rugby Union's pockets, so any cancellation would have devastating consequences.Gatland is set to name his Wales matchday 23 at noon, before explaining his selection decisions and no doubt addressing the latest questions about a potential player strike at a press conference.As usual, you can follow all the build-up, team announcement news and live press conference updates on belwo. SIGN UP: Get the latest Welsh rugby stories delivered straight to your inbox with our free newsletter Live updates below:

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