Welsh rugby powerbrokers are considering giving players a contract choice in a bid to end the stand-off which threatens Wales versus England this weekend.
Players are set to be offered the option between signing a fixed variable contract, or a fixed price contract.
Wales' disgruntled players have outlined three demands the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) must agree to by the end of play today (Wednesday) if they are to avoid a strike ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash with England. Follow live updates here.
One of them is to remove the performance-related clause which has been put forward by the PRB which means their displays would be reviewed if their form dropped or they got injured, with only 80% of their wage guaranteed and the remaining 20% depending on a number of factors like appearance fees.
The players are understandably unhappy at the uncertainty this causes, while they also want the controversial 60-cap rule scrapped along with lifting the current contract freeze.
Would you support Welsh rugby players taking strike action amid contracts turmoil? Have your say here
They are also concerned there is not enough money going to the regions next season with squad budgets set to go as low as £4.5million making it very difficult to compete.
As a result, it would be very difficult for players to meet the bonus requirements in any fixed variable contract.
WalesOnline understands the PRB are discussing whether to give the players a choice between signing a fixed term contract or a fixed price contract. In simple terms, a player could get the choice between signing a contract of £80,000 with no bonuses, or a contract of £70,000 which could potentially rise to £90,000 if he meets certain appearance or performance markers.
This is being discussed by the PRB at the Principality Stadium as we speak, along with potentially lowering the 60-cap rule to 25 caps.
Once the PRB have come to a decision, the players will be addressed at the Vale Resort by acting Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Nigel Walker and independent PRB chair Malcolm Wall.
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