Welsh rugby's four regions agree 'six-year framework'
- Published
Wales' regions play in the United Rugby Championship and European competitions
Welsh rugby's four professional teams say they have reached "a new six-year framework" which they hope can resolve the game's financial issues.
The news came a day after the Welsh Rugby Players Association warned of players departing unless a freeze on contracts and recruitment is lifted.
Ospreys, Dragons, Cardiff and Scarlets "endorse and sympathise" with the players.
"We regret how long discussions have taken so far," said the four teams.
"But we are pleased to confirm that, as of this morning, we have verbally agreed a new six-year framework for professional rugby in Wales. It is now incumbent upon all parties to finalise the detail of this agreement in consultation with players, coaches and staff.
"The entire game in Wales, both professional and grassroots, faces significant and unprecedented challenges, which require collaboration, a clear strategy and decisive action.
"We all want to conclude ongoing PRB (Professional Rugby Board) discussions as soon as possible to ensure strong professional regional clubs, a successful national team and a thriving community game."
The PRB consists of four regional representatives - Alun Jones (Cardiff Rugby), David Buttress (Dragons), Nick Garcia (Ospreys), who is set to leave them, and Simon Muderack (Scarlets) - plus Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Steve Phillips, WRU finance director Tim Moss and two independent members, independent chair Malcolm Wall and Marianne Økland.
PRB meetings are also attended by WRU performance director Nigel Walker and the chair of the rugby management board, Jon Daniels.
The WRU's Phillips welcomed the development agreed by the nation's top-tier teams.
Phillips told BBC Radio Wales he was at the meeting where the agreement was made.
"There's still a bit of work to do, but I think it's incumbent upon us all now to get on with that as quickly as possible," he said.
"But we are very sympathetic to some of the players' concerns and I think we mentioned that yesterday.
"We need to get on with it now, but we've taken some time to do it correctly."
Phillips said getting the "right framework in place" was important to avoid the sort of issues that led to the collapse of English Premiership sides Wasps and Worcester this season.
"It's all now about cracking on and executing this in conjunction with the players, the WRPA and getting it done as soon as possible," he added.
Agreement among the regions came on the day Warren Gatland returned as Wales boss with Wayne Pivac departing.
Gatland said news of the agreement was "fantastic".
He added: "It's one less thing for all of us not to have to worry about but in particular the players needed some certainty.
"Hopefully that alleviates some pressure on the players and they can put this behind them and focus on the rugby going forward."
On Sunday, the Welsh players' body (WRPA) said some of its members were "reluctantly seeking security elsewhere" amid uncertainty about the sport's financial future.
The players spoke out following a week in which, during a social media exchange centred on Will Rowlands' situation, Walker claimed the 31-year-old turned down a contract extension last summer, but confirmed there was a freeze on contract signings and recruitment while the WRU and regions negotiate the professional teams' future finances.
Cardiff coach Dai Young was among those to express concern, saying more than 40% of his players are out of contract next summer.
Phillips said one of the agreement's main intentions is to prevent leading players leaving, adding: "Will it stop everyone? It's difficult to say because every player will make his own decision."
If Rowlands' reported move to Racing 92 is confirmed, he could fall foul of the 60-cap rule, which says players who have made fewer than 60 Wales appearances are barred from Test rugby.
Phillips said it was "too soon to say" whether the 60-cap rule would remain.
"It's currently in place and it's yet to be reviewed," he said.
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