Wales coach Warren Gatland believes there is a ‘genuine threat’ of a player strike that could cancel Wales’ upcoming Six Nations clash with England on Saturday, while England captain Owen Farrell has expressed sympathy for his opponents.
The match in Cardiff is at risk because players in Wales are threatening to down tools over a contract dispute and are reportedly ready to strike if their demands are not met by Wednesday (local time)
Calling off the England game could cost the Welsh Rugby Union an estimated £9 million ($16m AUD).
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A new financial agreement between the four Welsh regions — Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets — and the WRU has still to be confirmed in writing.
That has sparked concern that a sizeable number of players whose contracts expire at the end of this season will leave Wales due to uncertainty over their futures.
Last week, the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) said the delay was causing “unacceptable strain on mental health and overall wellbeing”.
Wales coach Warren Gatland said: “I think it (a strike) is a genuine threat, there is no doubt about that. “What the players were asking for is definitely reasonable. There needs to be some negotiation. It’s like everything, you have to find some middle ground.”
Asked if he sympathised with the Welsh players’ plight, Farrell said: “From what I’ve heard, yeah.
“I know quite a lot of them and I’m sure they’re not being unreasonable with what they’re asking for. I don’t think they’re like that.”
However, the 31-year-old fly-half added: “Then again, I don’t know the other side of it. To be in this situation is obviously not very pleasing for them, but I’m sure they will get it sorted.
“I’m sure that anyone who is going through a bit of adversity tries to use it and it bring themselves closer together.”
The players want Wales’ minimum 60-cap selection rule for players at clubs outside the country scrapped, a voice at PRB meetings and a review of proposed fixed-variable contracts.
Those contracts would guarantee a player only 80 per cent of their salary, with the remaining 20 per cent comprising bonuses.
Wales have lost their opening two games of the Six Nations for the first time in 16 years, with defeat by Ireland followed by a record 35-7 loss to Scotland in Edinburgh.
