THE Welsh Rugby Union's director of rugby Terry Cobner has denied suggestions that the former Wales number eight Scott Quinnell will switch his allegiance to England in protest at the match fee exiled Welsh internationals are being offered.
Quinnell's agent, Mike Burton, said he wanted Wales to treat the 24-year-old forward who has just returned to union with Richmond after two years at Wigan, as a special case and treble the £2,000-a-match exiled players are offered before a negotiated win b00us "There's no point in Scott committing himself to Wales for a less than lucrative fee while an England contract is a possibility, said Burton.
Wales have contracted 19 domiciled international players at an annual salary of £30,000 before bonuses in, a bid to prevent them from joining English clubs, but Quinnell has yet to break back into the squad and was not considered for the Wales side that was announced yesterday for next week's clash against the Barbarians in Cardiff.
I have been up to Richmond and talked to all four Welsh players there (Craig Quinnell, Adrian Davies and Andy Moore are the others). They are all enthusiastic to play for Wales," said Cobner. Scott's father Derek is a famous Welsh international both his boys want to play for Wales again.
"I do not talk to agents. Scott was not considered for the Barbarians match because he still has to readjust to union but I have no doubt that he will be in our plans in the coming season."
Wales are to award caps for their second meeting with the Barbarians this decade. The only newcomer to their side is the 20-year old Pontypridd flanker Martyn Williams, who comes in for the injured Gwyn Jones.
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