Welsh rugby in crisis as talks break down
National team captain Sam Warburton left isolated after signing WRU contract
Welsh rugby was plunged into crisis on Friday after acrimonious talks between Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) over the future direction of the sport.
The four regions which form RRW – the Blues, Dragons, Ospreys and the Scarlets – have been negotiating with the WRU over the terms of a “participation agreement”, which covers issues such as the competitions the teams play in, payment for international player release, overseas player quotas and the fourth end-of-year test match.
The previous agreement ended on 30 June, but all attempts to agree on a new document have foundered, with RRW on Friday claiming the situation had reached breaking point.
[We] regret to confirm that ... the control, commercial and financial conditions that are being demanded of the regions are completely unacceptable
The failure to find a resolution throws into doubt the future of the regions and, potentially, professional rugby in Wales.
Wales captain Sam Warburton signed a central contract with the WRU which, at present, leaves him without a team to play for next season.
A statement from RRW read: “Sadly, the regions regret to confirm that despite an indescribably tortuous process of endless telephone calls and meetings since 6 January, the control, commercial and financial conditions that are being demanded of them under drafts of the proposed new service agreement would be completely unacceptable for any responsible independent business to enter into and expose itself to.
“The regions have consistently made every possible effort to reach a positive and progressive agreement that truly works in the interests of both parties, to ensure a sustainable and competitive professional game in Wales at both regional and international level. They remain totally committed to the hope of reaching that solution.
“However, after many months of working hard to try to progress a new agreement, it is with heavy hearts that the boards of all four regions must now urgently consider the stark practical consequences of operating within a business model that does not include any form of agreement with the WRU outside IRB regulations and no WRU support or involvement in the development of professional regional rugby.”