WRU says ‘no room for manoeuvre’ on contracts despite players’ strike threat

The WRU has insisted there is “no room for manoeuvre” on the budget for player contracts in Wales despite the threat of strike action putting the country’s Six Nations fixture against England next week in jeopardy.

Nigel Walker, the Welsh Rugby Union’s interim CEO, met with senior Wales players on Wednesday in an attempt to soothe relations after it emerged strike action was being considered over the contract renewals, with a meeting soon to take place between the Welsh Rugby Players Association and players.

Having accepted pay cuts of 20% during the Covid period, players in Wales are now faced with further cuts under the proposed six-year deal between the WRU and the regions. The take-it-or-leave deal which has to be signed by 28 February – three days after the England game – would see lower wages all round and bonuses introduced into contracts for the first time.

However the Professional Rugby Board, the body which comprises representatives of the four regions plus the RFU, insisted the new deal was necessary to bring sustainability to the sport.

“The new agreement offers a complete funding package to the professional game in Wales, but it does come with financial limitations which will directly affect salary negotiations,” said the PRB chair, Malcolm Wall, in a statement on Wednesday evening. “The cold facts are that the WRU and clubs have been paying salaries that their businesses cannot afford, so the new agreement establishes a new framework for contract negotiations.

“There is a stipulation that all current contracts will be honoured, but these businesses must return to a sustainable footing in order for the success we all crave to follow.

“The average salary of a Welsh professional rugby player under the new