Welsh rugby players' union: Players have had enough amid contract uncertainty

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 by players is a possibility as the Wales squad continue preparations to face Guinness Six Nations opponents England in Cardiff on Saturday week.

The situation has been magnified due to recruitment being on hold and next season’s playing budgets not yet being finalised for Wales’ four professional regions of Cardiff, Ospreys, Dragons and Scarlets.

A new financial agreement between the regions and the Welsh Rugby Union has still to be confirmed in writing, sparking concern that a sizeable number of players whose contracts expire at the end of this season will head away from Wales, with a huge sense of uncertainty currently engulfing them and their families.

"What is deeply concerning is that until the long-form agreement is signed and active, no players’ futures are guaranteed," the WRPA said in a statement.

"This is having a profound effect on players – especially those out of contract – and is placing unacceptable strain on mental health and overall wellbeing.

"Strike action is something that we wish to see avoided as a players’ union and our members want to be taking the field as they always have.

"But clearly, the anxiety caused by the situation is now affecting the lives and profession of players.

"Players have had enough. This is not a game of ‘Championship Manager’."

Negotiations on the future of the professional game in Wales are handled by the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), which comprises representatives from each of the regions, acting WRU chief executive Nigel Walker, WRU finance director Tim Moss and two independent members, including chair Malcolm