Welsh rugby was plunged into crisis on Friday after acrimonious talks between Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) over the direction of the sport.
The four regions which form RRW, the Blues, the Dragons, the Ospreys and the Scarlets, have been negotiating with the WRU over the terms of a ‘participation agreement’, which covers issues such as the competitions the teams play in, payment for international player release, overseas player quotas and the fourth autumn Test match.
The previous agreement ended on June 30, but all attempts to agree on a new document have foundered, with RRW on Friday claiming the situation had reached breaking point.
Failure to find a resolution 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 next season.
A RRW statement read: “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.”
RRW stated public comments from leading figures in the WRU were not matched by actions in negotiations: “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.”
But the WRU refused to be drawn into a public slanging match, insisting it was following correct protocols in discussions.
“Following receipt of a copy of the draft RSA (Rugby Services Agreement) with marked comments by Regional Rugby Wales the WRU responded in writing on Thursday, July 10, with comments to the RRW amendments,” an WRU statement read.
“This is the legitimate, proper and private method adopted within corporate governance for agreements to be negotiated and concluded.
“It is extremely unhelpful to the process for emotionally charged statements to be made, either verbally or in writing, to interfere with this process.”
