The Welsh Six Nations team that will face England on Saturday will not be announced as scheduled.
Wales have delayed the announcement of their selection ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations match against England due to the ongoing uncertainty of potential strike action.
Players say a new Professional Rugby Board contract lacks long-term security (PRB).
The squad announcement was scheduled for Tuesday at noon, and the cause for the delay is unknown.
Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland voiced “confidence” that the match would go ahead on Tuesday afternoon.
The Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) represents Welsh rugby players and has criticized Wales rugby administrators. Stating that its players “feel betrayed” and “have had enough” due to delays in the signing of new contracts.
The report added that the delay is having a “profound effect” on players, especially those without contracts. And is “placing unjustifiable strain on mental health and overall wellbeing.
Since January, negotiations have been ongoing, but no agreement has yet been reached.
Wednesday will feature further discussions between the PRB and the WRPA.
The PRB, which is comprised of representatives from the five professional rugby organizations in Wales (WRU, Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Rugby, and Dragons), stated that “clubs have been paying salaries that their enterprises cannot afford.”
According to reports, a verbal agreement has been reached on a six-year deal that would introduce a salary cap, a new approach to releasing players for international matches, and a formal framework that coordinates contract negotiations across all four of Wales’ regional sides and the professional squad.
Having lost their first two games in the championship for the first time in 16 years. Wale’s performance on the field has not been what they had hoped for, given the uncertainty off the field.
