Warburton backs Wales strike that could scupper England Six Nations clash

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton has thrown his weight behind a possible players' strike that could threaten next week's Six Nations rugby clash against England in Cardiff.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and the regions have yet to agree in writing a new long-term financial agreement, sparking fears that players whose current deals expire at the end of the season will leave the Welsh game.

Recruitment is on hold, with next season's playing budgets not yet finalised at Wales' four professional teams - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.

A Daily Mail report on Tuesday said players were considering industrial action amid the contract crisis.

Warburton said on Wednesday it was no surprise that Wales - scheduled to face England a week on Saturday in Cardiff - were bottom of the Six Nations table after defeats by Ireland and Scotland in their opening two games.

"The players clearly do not feel valued by the WRU and that has affected their performances on the field, and I can see why," Warburton wrote in an online column for The Times.

'Shafted'

The 34-year-old, also a two-time British & Irish Lions captain, who retired through injury in 2022, added: "I know from speaking to some of them this week that this issue has been really bugging the Wales players, and the feeling is so strong that the threat to strike is very real.

"They feel like they are, for want of a better expression, being shafted. So, I totally support the players and their threat to strike should some sensible agreement not be reached. If I was still playing, I would not sign these new contracts."

WRU interim chief executive Nigel Walker said earlier on Wednesday he had met with senior Wales players to "further clarify the position".

While a verbal agreement