Welsh Rugby Union in another clash with clubs over players – Rugby news
Yet another country versus club clash is expected, as Welsh Rugby Union is looking forward to have their English based players accessible for the preparation of the upcoming 2011 Rugby World Cup. This tussle will most likely affect players like Gavin Henson,
Andy Powell and Dwayne Peel. This tug of war has been brought about after the Welsh Rugby Union stated that they will only deal with the Rugby Football Union and not the Premiership Rugby Limited, which is the parent organization for premiership clubs.
Premiership Rugby Limited’s equivalent, Regional Rugby Wales, signed a deal with Welsh Rugby Union in 2009 that had allowed Warren Gatland to call players two weeks before Tests. Another similar contract was signed in England recently, when Rugby Football
Union paid Premier Rugby Limited approximately 110 million Euros, to ensure the availability of players till 2016. However, with CEO Ed Griffiths, Saracens is the club that might let their player don the red again.
The CEO stated, "I have spoken to Warren Gatland and we are keen for Gavin to play for Wales and for him to fulfill his potential as a rugby player.” From the club’s point of view, Saracens is eager that their players should perform in International Rugby.
Every sportsman wants to play for his national team and represent his country. Such a thought is completely natural and Griffiths is happy to encourage this act and will do everything he can to make it happen.
Welsh Rugby Union spokesman recently stated in a response to Griffith’s comments, “Our position hasn't changed on this matter.” He cleverly added, “If Warren has spoken to people at Saracens then it is to see how Gavin is faring on his return to rugby.”
The Welsh Rugby Union is not ready to discuss player release issues with Premiership Rugby Limited, instead they opted Rugby Football Union.
It seems like Premiership Rugby Limited want to stick to International Rugby Board guidelines and will only release England based players 35 days prior to the 2011 Rugby World Cup. These decisions will affect Welsh national team as they have warm up matches
coming up in August against England.
According to Regulation 9, there is an allowance for only three games to be played during that season in the November international window. But conventionaly, Wales has four Test clashes during the August Test window.
Tags: