Rugby

Six Nations: Wales cancel team announcement amid strike threat ahead of England fixture

Coach Warren Gatland said he still believes the game will go ahead

Wales head coach Warren Gatland during a press conference on Tuesday. Gatland said he believes the game against England will still go ahead

Tue Feb 21 2023 - 13:01

Wales have cancelled their planned team announcement for this weekend’s Six Nations fixture against England amid the threat of strike action from players over a dispute with the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) that runs the game in the country.

Welsh players have been involved in a bitter feud with the PRB and want a review of a proposal that would see 80% of players’ wages guaranteed, with 20% via bonuses, and representation from the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association on the PRB, which runs the professional game in Wales.

They are also seeking an end to the 60-cap rule that says only players who have reached that threshold can play for the national team if they move to a club abroad. A deadline of Wednesday for their demands to be met.

The PRB is to meet with all professional players in the country tomorrow to work through their proposal.

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Coach Warren Gatland held a news conference where he explained the decision. But Gatland said he still believes the game will be played.

When asked if he was confident it would go ahead, Gatland said: “Absolutely, yeah. I’m hearing positive things from both sides.

“I’m confident that with the discussions taking place, that it will get resolved today. There have been half-a-dozen meetings over the last few days or so.”

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2023

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