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Players to be offered 'conditional contracts' in Wales

(Photo by Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images)

Amid fears of a player exodus in Wales, the Professional Rugby Board has confirmed that negotiations will begin in the new year on a ‘conditional basis’ following a meeting with the Welsh Rugby Players Association.

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With contract negotiations frozen in the Welsh regions at the moment due to funding issues, the Dragons have already seen Wales lock Will Rowlands confirm his departure at the end of the season, and the worry is that many more will follow suit.

But the PRB revealed in a statement today that following the verbal agreement over funding that has been made, conditional contracts will be offered to players in the intervening time before the agreement is formalised and is signed by all parties.

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This verbal agreement involves a “six-year-framework which details significantly enhanced WRU funding expectations from distributable monies, club commercial performance, URC media rights, new debt and shareholder investment.”

The PRB also expressed their regret over the “concern” caused amongst “player, their agents, and supporters” during this ordeal.

The statement reads: “The PRB understands delays in reaching verbal agreement and the time required to process legal documentation have prevented the Regions from contracting some players for future seasons.

“The concern caused amongst players, their agents, and supporters is hugely regrettable, but it is important that this is done correctly.

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“This is why we aim to offer conditional contracts, giving players details of their individual offer. Further updates on this initiative will be provided to the WRPA next week.

“There is still much to do, but the PRB will continue to work together with the WRPA for the benefit of all parties.”

These look to be promising signs for Welsh rugby both on and off the pitch going into the new year. Obviously the major change going into 2023 is the return of Warren Gatland at the helm of the national team, but there seems to be progress off the pitch as well.

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DarstedlyDan 1 hour ago
New Zealanders may not understand, but in France Test rugby is the 'B movie'

Italy have a top 14 issue too, that’s true. I doubt SA are overly pleased by that, although it’s countered somewhat by the fact they would expect to thrash them anyway, so perhaps are not that bothered.


The BIL teams are (aside from Ireland) A/B teams - still with many A team players. I would rather the England team touring Argentina be playing the ABs than this French one.


France could have reduced the complaints and the grounds for such if they had still picked the best team from those eligible/available. But they haven’t even done that. This, plus the playing of silly b@ggers with team selection over the three tests is just a big middle finger to the ABs and the NZ rugby public.


One of the key reasons this is an issue is the revenue sharing one. Home teams keep the ticket revenues. If the July tours are devalued to development larks then the crowds will not show up (why go watch teams featuring names you’ve never heard of?). This costs the SH unions. The NH unions on the other hand get the advantage of bums on seats from full strength SH teams touring in November. If the NH doesn’t want to play ball by touring full strength, then pay up and share gate receipts. That would be fair, and would reduce the grounds for complaint from the south. This has been suggested, but the NH unions want their cake and eat it too. And now, apparently, we are not even allowed to complain about it?


Finally - no one is expecting France to do things the way NZ or SA do. We oddly don’t really mind that it probably makes them less successful at RWC than they would otherwise have been. But a bit of willingness to find a solution other than “lump it, we’re French” would go a looonnng way.

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