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WRU preparing massive salary bid to bring Ross Moriarty home

Ross Moriarty

It is no secret that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) are keen to bring dynamic flanker Ross Moriarty back across the Severn and to team him up with one of the four Welsh PRO14 regions.

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There were rumours that Moriarty could leave Gloucester at the end of last season – with a year remaining on his contract – but they turned out to be unfounded and the British and Irish Lion opted to stay with the Cherry and Whites, rather than seeking an early release.

RugbyPass understands that the WRU do now have proposals on the table to Moriarty, who is in the last season of his contract with Gloucester, to bring him back the country he represents at international level and where he spent much of his childhood.

The proposals, which would see him take up a National Dual Contract, are believed to offer Moriarty a salary somewhere in the £450k-£525k range, with the WRU funding 60% of the contract and the remaining 40% paid for by one of the four regions.

Understandably, Gloucester are in no rush to lose one of their star players and there is the scope for Moriarty to earn more than that reported salary in either England or France, prompting a tough decision for the flanker.

Whereas Moriarty had previously been exempt from “Gatland’s Law”, should he choose to stay in England or head to France, rather than returning to Wales with an offer on the table from the WRU, he would no longer get a free pass in terms of international selection. He would have to compete with the likes of George North, Jamie Roberts and Taulupe Faletau, who all also turned down WRU offers to move or stay outside of Wales.

Gatland’s Law, or the WRU Senior Players Selection Policy as it is officially known, has been roundly criticised by players, fans and the media alike and any changes to the policy as a result this season could help sway Moriarty one way or the other.

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Some have called for the policy to be scrapped and players based anywhere to be available for selection, whilst others have also called for it to be scrapped, but for a selection policy of Welsh-based players only to be adopted.

Needless to say, new Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann will not be keen to lose the abrasive flanker and will have convincing Moriarty to stay, very high on his list of priorities.

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Soliloquin 21 minutes ago
Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

For Fischer, many people in France are still doubting him - it’s the first time he has a full season (31 games). Before, he was always injured at some point. He’s 27, so not the youngest, and you have a younger Boudehent or Jégou behind.

His physicality is incredible, but he didn’t prove he’s got hands. He just proved he was able to defend like a beast.

But you know, even Cros has improved his handling skills lately, so it’s never too late!

And he will play the Champions Cup with a solid Bayonne side, so let’s see!


I don’t agree with ‘only Fischer’: Brennan proved he’s a great 4/7 utility player, and Galthié likes those very much (Woki or Flament). He’s 23, playing for Toulouse with high concurrence, so the prospect is good. I rate him higher than Auradou, who had a few games in the 6 Nations.

For Depoortère, he had a more silent season than the previous one - injured at the worst moment during the Autumn Tests series - but came back strong with a Champions Cup and a solid partnership with Moefana. What could save him would be to start playing as a 12 when Moefana isn’t there, bulking up and become the new Jauzion.

But he’s 22 and an incredible talent at 13. His height makes me think he had more potential than your fan favorite Costes or the utility player that is Gailleton.


As for Montagne or Mallez, with the lack of quality in props, they could find a spot!

Especially Mallez who’s got a good spot to get behind Baille at Toulouse. Neti isn’t the youngest and hasn’t an international level.


And again, as Ugo Mola said, you never play with your best team.

So 30-32 player is more of a 38-40, so you need back-ups.

France knows very well how useful they can be during RWCs.

233 Go to comments
S
Soliloquin 38 minutes ago
Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

Hastoy was a good prospect before the 2023 RWC, he was the fly-half who led La Rochelle to the victory in the Champions Cup final in Dublin against Leinster.

But he made it to the squad only because Ntamack got his ACL.

He played against Uruguay, which a terribly poor game by the French side, and since then he declined a bit, alongside his club.

Under the pressure of Reus and West at 10, he regained some credit at the end of the season (among all a drop at the 81st minute of a game).

He’s quite good everywhere, but not outstanding.

He doesn’t have the nerves, the defense and the tactical brain of Ntamack, the leadership and the creativity of Ramos or the exceptional attacking skills of Jalibert.


I really hope that:

-Ntamack will get his knee back. The surgery went well. He wasn’t the most elusive player in the world, but he was capable of amazing rushes like the one against NZ in 2021 or the Brennus-winning try in 2023.

-Jalibert will continue to improve his defense. He started working hard since March (after his defensive disaster against England) with a XIII specialist, and I’ve seen great moments, especially against Ntamack in the SF of the Champions Cup. It’s never too late. And it would be a great signal for Galthié.

-Hastoy will build up his partnership with Le Garrec, that La Rochelle will start a new phase with them and Niniashvili, Alldritt, Atonio, Boudehent, Jegou, Bosmorin, Bourgarit, Nowell, Wardi, Daunivucu, Kaddouri, Pacôme…

233 Go to comments
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