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'Line the streets... demand this shambles be over'

By PA
(Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Former Wales international Andrew Coombs has given his support to possible player strike action amid a freeze on new contract offers in Welsh rugby. A meeting is set to take place within the next week between Welsh Rugby Players’ Association officials and players. Strike action is thought to be one option available – and it comes as Wales continue preparations for their Guinness Six Nations clash against England in Cardiff on Saturday week.

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

A new long-term financial agreement between the regions and Welsh Rugby Union has yet to be confirmed in writing, sparking concern that a sizeable number of players whose existing contracts expire at the end of this season will head away from Wales. It has generated a huge sense of uncertainty for players and their families.

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Coombs, a second row forward who won 10 caps in 2013 and 2014, said on Twitter: “Players should not be playing without a signed contract in front of them. One big injury and they will be jobless with no medical support! I know that feeling well and would not wish it on any other player.

“Best wishes with your strike action! Players, Coaches, Backroom Staff, Supporters, Pundits… Line the streets in front of the stadium and demand this shambles to be over! Enough is enough!”

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Negotiations on the future of the professional game in Wales are handled by the professional rugby board, 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 Wall.

In the PRB’s latest statement issued just before the start of this season’s Six Nations, Wall said: “Professional rugby board negotiations are currently at an advanced stage with verbal agreement reached and a heads of terms document signed on a new six-year deal for the professional game.

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“This agreement has been signed off and endorsed by the WRU board and each PRB member. Signing the heads of terms agreement has enabled our professional sides to begin contract negotiations with players now, on a conditional basis.

“Conditional contracts are now available, giving players details of their individual offer. There is still much to do, but the PRB will continue to work hard, together with the WRPA for the benefit of all parties.”

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J
JW 1 hour ago
'Passionate reunion of France and New Zealand shows Fabien Galthie is wrong to rest his stars'

Where? I remember saying "unders"? The LNR was formed by the FFR, if I said that in a way that meant the 'pro' side of the game didn't have an equal representation/say as the 'amateur' side (FFR remit) that was not my intent.


But also, as it is the governing body, it also has more responsibility. As long as WR looks at FFR as the running body for rugby in France, that 'power' will remain. If the LNR refuses to govern their clubs use of players to enable a request by FFR (from WR) to ensure it's players are able to compete in International rugby takes place they will simply remove their participation. If the players complain to the France's body, either of their health and safety concerns (through playing too many 'minutes' etc) or that they are not allowed to be part in matches of national interest, my understanding is action can be taken against the LNR like it could be any other body/business. I see where you're coming from now re EPCR and the shake up they gave it, yes, that wasn't meant to be a separate statement to say that FFR can threaten them with EPCR expulsion by itself, simply that it would be a strong repercussion for those teams to be removed (no one would want them after the above).


You keep bringing up these other things I cannot understand why. Again, do you think if the LNR were not acting responsibly they would be able to get away with whatever they want (the attitude of these posters saying "they pay the players")? You may deem what theyre doing currently as being irresponsible but most do not. Countries like New Zealand have not even complained about it because they've never had it different, never got things like windfall TV contracts from France, so they can't complain because theyre not missing out on anything. Sure, if the French kept doing things like withholding million dollar game payments, or causing millions of dollars of devaluation in rights, they these things I'm outlining would be taking place. That's not the case currently however, no one here really cares what the French do. It's upto them to sort themselves out if they're not happy. Now, that said, if they did make it obvious to World Rugby that they were never going to send the French side away (like they possibly did stating their intent to exclude 20 targeted players) in July, well then they would simply be given XV fixtures against tier 2 sides during that window and the FFR would need to do things like the 50/50 revenue split to get big teams visiting in Nov.

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