Welsh regions threaten to walk away from WRU

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The Welsh regions have not signed a new Participation Agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union and have reaffirmed their support for the Rugby Champions Cup.

The original deadline put in place for the new deal to be struck was December 31 but the regions feel that due to the ambiguity and confusion surrounding the future of domestic rugby both in Wales and Europe, they are unwilling to commit themselves to a new deal with the WRU, which would run until 2019, claiming the agreement does not “reflect the changes and demands of the modern game.”

Instead, Regional Rugby Wales (RRW), the body in charge of the regions, have issued a lengthy statement in which they have thrown their support behind the Rugby Champions Cup, a breakaway tournament created by the English which would be run by the Six Nations.

The regions claim this would “generate a guaranteed £12m additional funding across the four regions over the next three years and help reduce the funding gap compared to the French, English, Irish and Scottish clubs.” The WRU has previously backed the existing Heineken Cup.

The regions claim the uncertain future facing both the Heineken Cup and the RaboDirect PRO12, a tournament yet to have a sponsor lined up for next season, could cause a shortfall of £16m across the Cardiff Blues, Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons.

The regions say they are still committed to working with the WRU to find a compromise over a new agreement – a deal that covers funding, international release and which competitions the regions play in – but any deal must be signed by January 31.

If that deadline is not met, the regions claim they will be left with “no choice but to pursue further competition options immediately”. The likely option here would be a link-up with the English clubs to form an Anglo-Welsh league.

Despite threats of breaking away to pursue other domestic competitions away from the RaboDirect PRO12 and the Heineken Cup, the regions are adamant they are keen on finding a compromise with the WRU.

RRW concluded: “It continues to be the absolute intent and strong desire of RRW and the regions to work with the WRU in progressing such a positive position for the next five years of professional rugby in Wales, or indeed to discuss any proposals WRU themselves may have that could provide an even stronger platform for sustainable and competitive professional rugby across Wales.

“Without change, professional rugby in Wales will fall further and further behind the rest of the European game.

“The regions’ passionate commitment to developing world-class players in Wales, their investment in infrastructure, development networks, rugby intellect and experience to support Welsh Rugby success is absolute. It is this commitment, together with their role in promoting and celebrating the rich heritage and history within the regional and club game that they seek to protect.”

The WRU later issued a statement in response to the one from RRW where it reiterated its support for the Heineken Cup and also said “Welsh teams will continue to play in the Pro12 league organised by Celtic Rugby Ltd.”

The statement added: “The decision of the existing regional organisations not to continue with the PA has now freed the WRU to present a new Participation Agreement focused on recognising and rewarding regions which identify, develop and retain players capable of challenging for international honours with Wales. This is in the best interests of Welsh rugby.”

The WRU has a meeting in place for Thursday where it is expected they will discuss the possibility of centrally contracting the country’s top players and establishing union-run regions.

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Article source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-rugby-star-matthew-j-6261545

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Welsh regions threaten to walk away from WRU