Rugby College: Wales captain Sam Warburton left without a club after Welsh rugby peace talks ...

Sunday 13 July 2014

Wales captain Sam Warburton left without a club after Welsh rugby peace talks ...

Published:

23:00, 11 July 2014

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Updated:

23:00, 11 July 2014

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Welsh rugby was in crisis on Friday after Regional Rugby Wales announced the participation agreement proposed by the Welsh Rugby Union was ‘completely unacceptable’ after ‘indescribably tortuous’ negotiations.

The four regions which form RRW – the Blues, the Dragons, the Ospreys and the Scarlets – released a statement claiming every time progress was made ‘two steps back’ followed.

The participation agreement, which ended on June 30, covers issues such as the competitions the teams play in, payment for international player release, overseas player quotas and the fourth autumn Test match.

Isolated: Wales captain Sam Warburton signed a central contract with the WRU

No resolution to talks throws into doubt the future of the regions and, potentially, professional rugby in Wales.

Wales captain Sam Warburton signed a central contract with the WRU which, at present, leaves him without a team to play for next season.

A RRW statement read: ‘Sadly, the regions regret to confirm that despite an indescribably tortuous process of endless telephone calls and meetings since January 6, the control, commercial and financial conditions that are being demanded of them under drafts of the proposed new service agreement would be completely unacceptable for any responsible independent business to enter into and expose itself to.

‘The regions have consistently made every possible effort to reach a positive and progressive agreement that truly works in the interests of both parties, to ensure a sustainable and competitive professional game in Wales at both regional and international level. They remain totally committed to the hope of reaching that solution.

Interest: Wales coach Warren Gatland had tried to broker a deal

‘However, after many months of working hard to try to progress a new agreement, it is with heavy hearts that the boards of all four regions must now urgently consider the stark practical consequences of operating within a business model that does not include any form of agreement with the WRU outside IRB regulations and no WRU support or involvement in the development of professional regional rugby.’

RRW stated public comments from leading figures in the WRU were not matched by actions in negotiations.

The statement added: ‘The regions are most grateful for the time and consideration of Wales’ national head coach (Warren Gatland), who has worked hard to reach a constructive and positive balance on the core rugby elements of the agreement.

‘The public statements of the WRU chairman (David Pickering) referring to the need for urgency are welcomed, together with the positive position of individual WRU Board members following the Regions’ presentation to the Board during May 2014.

‘Unfortunately, these comments in the public domain do not reflect the actual process that the Regions continue to experience, with every apparent step forward eventually being replaced by two steps back.’