Warren Gatland has said he would not support his Wales players should they carry out a threat of strike action when England are due to visit Cardiff in the Six Nations a week on Saturday.
A dispute between the players and the governing body intensified on Tuesday when the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association (WRPA) raised the possibility of an unprecedented strike in protest at the proposed six-year deal between the regions and the Welsh Rugby Union.
The new contractual arrangement would mean players’ basic wages being reduced and the introduction of a new bonus structure, but the players are determined not to accept the terms. On Wednesday the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) said there is no room for negotiation, prompting an angry response from the WRPA.
A deadline of 28 February – three days after the encounter against England – has been set for the deal to be finalised. But after the players accepted a 20% wage reduction during the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems unlikely they will agree to a further cut.
Asked if he would support a player strike, Gatland said: “No. I completely support the stance they are taking, in terms of wanting to get some resolution about the issues they have. But there is a lot more involved, a lot of things at stake, in terms of ensuring that that fixture does take place … I am supportive of the players and the things they are trying to do. My role is just trying to prepare the team for next week.”
In a clear sign of the disillusionment among Wales players the former captain, Alun Wyn Jones, refused to speak to media at the team’s base near Cardiff until cameras filming a Netflix documentary had been removed. Jones said a strike was “the very last option” but that players feel “boxed in” by the proposal and restrictions that come with it. Regulations state that players who sign for clubs outside Wales are eligible for national selection only if they have won more than 60 caps, which significantly limits options for younger players.
“This was supposed to be sorted a long time ago,” he said. “It is disappointing that we are 20 years into regional rugby and it’s the same things that have come around again.”
On the possibility of a player strike, he said: “It’s hard to deny, but it’s the very last option. Ultimately, if you treat people badly for long enough, you get to where we find ourselves. We realise what we do, and how fortunate we are to do it, but if this was any other line of work or any other industry … you’d get the same reaction.”
On whether he feels regret and sadness at the situation having deteriorated to such an extent, he said: “Very much so. But you don’t want to see players in their early 20s not knowing where their career is going to go. You’re almost boxed in as a player with no option, which isn’t ideal for anyone.”
The pressure is on to resolve the dispute before next week’s Six Nations match, particularly in view of the revenue generated for the union. On how a strike may be averted, Jones said: “We want a voice as well and a discussion about scrapping the 60-cap rule. We are well aware there are rebalances that need to be made financially, but again, it comes down to players being boxed in.”
Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne will miss the remainder of the Six Nations after being ruled out for up to 12 weeks with an ankle injury.
The 31-year-old Munster player was due to undergo surgery on Thursday, having been forced off early in the second half of Saturday’s 32-19 win over France in Dublin.
British and Irish Lion Beirne, who has started his country’s last 14 Tests, left the Aviva Stadium on crutches, with his forthcoming absence a major blow for Andy Farrell’s team.
Grand Slam-chasing Ireland sit top of the championship table on the back of bonus-point wins over Wales and France ahead of a round-three trip to Italy on February 25.
Ulster captain Iain Henderson replaced Beirne on Saturday and is the obvious choice to come into the second row to partner James Ryan in Rome.
Leinster pair Ryan Baird and Joe McCarthy and Connacht’s Cian Prendergast are the other options available to Farrell. PA Media
Gatland, who rejoined Wales as head coach in December after the dismissal of Wayne Pivac with less than a year to prepare for the World Cup in France, said: “The players have been great in the last few days. They have got a separate issue they want sorted, but when it’s come to the rugby they have been fantastic, the way they have prepared.
“It’s a little disingenuous to say the players are being paid too much. I don’t see how it’s a fault of theirs. We’ve been overspending in Wales for a number of years and some of the regions are in financial difficulty.”
