Three years from now, Wales’ rugby players may again consider striking during the Six Nations.
The future of rugby in Wales has been thrown into uncertainty after the Welsh Rugby Union proposed axing one of its four men’s professional regional teams – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.
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The Welsh Rugby Football Union announced on Thursday that Ospreys owners Y11 Sport and Media have been selected as the preferred option to buy Cardiff City. Cardiff City entered administration in April last year.
While the WRU said the Ospreys will continue to compete in domestic and European competition “at least until the end of the 2026-27 season”, there are concerns over the long-term future of the squad, which includes Wales captain Jacques Morgan.
The Welsh Rugby Players Association, which represents Welsh players, said in a statement that “players, staff and their families have been put under unacceptable pressure” during the process. It is now asking for “meaningful clarification on arrangements for next season” by February 6.
It comes just a day before Wales’ first Six Nations game away to England.
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“This deadline is vital to prevent further disruption, provide stability and allow players and clubs to make informed decisions,” the players’ union said. “If certainty cannot be provided at this time, players will inevitably need to consider their position and next steps.”
There was no specific mention of strike action, but it could be a possible course of action for disgruntled players – and there is precedent.
Wales players have threatened not to play in the Six Nations against England in February 2023 due to a player contract dispute. Strike action was averted until the last minute after the WRU and Welsh players reached a compromise on certain issues.
Canceling the game would have cost the WRU around £9m ($10.8m at the time) three years later and despite Welsh rugby having recently managed to stabilize its finances, it still faces financial pressures.
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It’s been a harrowing few years for one of the world’s proudest rugby nations.
Wales endured an 18-game losing streak before defeating Japan in July, the longest losing streak in men’s Division One history.
Its last international match was a 73-0 home defeat against South Africa in November, which caused Wales to suffer its heaviest home defeat and the second-worst defeat overall.
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AP Rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby