This Six Nations conflict between Wales And England The Welsh players will continue after they agreed to take the field on Saturday amid a contract dispute after an 11-hour breakthrough.
The match was in great doubt for the players and the team. Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is at a stalemate in contract negotiations for next season.
But after a Wednesday meeting between WRU’s Professional Rugby Board (PRB) officials and players, WRU acting CEO Nigel Walker confirmed that the key Six Nations fixture will be played as scheduled at Principality Stadium on Saturday.
While Walker and Wales captain Ken Owens have confirmed the controversial ’60-alum rule’ that only Wales players play rugby at their home club is eligible, the exact details of any agreements reached between the players and the board are still awaited. The national team was reduced to 25 shirts unless they wore 60 or more international shirts.
Players are negotiating three key demands: reversing the planned introduction of a volatile element of their contract, repealing the controversial 60 cap rule mentioned above, and establishing a (PRB) level player voice.
Walker confirmed after Wednesday’s meetings that the current contract freeze will be lifted next week, while Owens acknowledged that the stalemate meant that Wales rugby had become the “ridiculous subject” of world rugby.
Starting Warren Gatland’s second stint as head coach with back-to-back losses to Ireland and Scotland, Wales welcome England in desperate need of a win.
The visitors had their first win under their new manager, Steve Borthwick, against Italy for the last time.
More to follow…