Welsh rugby powerbrokers are clashing over whether to scrap the controversial 60-cap rule with the clock ticking towards Wednesday's deadline.
With the contract freeze still in place, as the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions negotiate a six-year financial framework, players understandably feel they shouldn't be penalised for pursuing offers in England or France.
To avoid a player strike ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash with England, players have laid out three demands including scrapping the 60-cap rule. WalesOnline understands negotiations are taking place between the WRU, the Rugby Management Board (RMB) and the four regions, who all have different views on the matter.
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To amend the 60-cap law or scrap it altogether, the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) would have to take a vote.
There are those who want to ditch it completely, while the RMB want it taken down to somewhere between 20-40 caps. The regions believe such a provision needs to remain in place but are happy to consider lowering it, while one high-ranking Welsh rugby official wants it to drop to 25 caps.
Before making a decision, the PRB will have to consider the wide-ranging effect it would have on Welsh rugby. Due to the current contractual freeze, is it morally right players would be prohibited from turning out for their country if they signed a contract with a club outside of Wales?
They will also have to consider how it could negatively impact the performances of the regions and how it would limit preparation time for the men's national side. With wages set to be pushed down and budgets expected to be set at around the £4.5million mark, the regions are highly unlikely to be able to afford to keep their top players.
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