Welsh rugby plunged into new crisis as peace talks between regions and union ...

Cardiff’s hopes of signing Gareth Anscombe – the 22-year-old fly-half

qualifies for Wales through his Cardiff-born mother, Tracey – from Waikato

Chiefs in a joint deal with the WRU will also have been put on hold.

RRW said that while it welcomed comments by WRU chairman David Pickering about

the need for urgency in reaching an agreement, it insisted the process

behind closed doors was not reflecting this desire.

“Sadly, the regions regret to confirm that despite an indescribably tortuous

process of endless telephone calls and meetings since Jan 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,” said an RRW statement.

“The regions have 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.

“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.”

The WRU said it was “saddened and surprised” by the RRW statement. “The WRU

remains determined to conclude an agreement which will ensure the four

regional organisations continue as the nominated teams for all IRB

-sanctioned competitions for professional rugby involving teams from Wales,”

it said.

Article source: http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/Charlie-Hayter-named-Team-England-rugby-sevens/story-21446968-detail/story.html

Welsh rugby plunged into new crisis as peace talks between regions and union ...