New Body To Mediate Welsh Rugby Row

The ongoing debate between the Welsh clubs and the Welsh Rugby Union over player availability issues has escalated with the former setting up a new representative body.

Regional Rugby Wales, headed up by former WRU chief executive David Moffett, will have the remit to improve the way the professional game in Wales is run, aiming to bridge the divide which has developed between the domestic and international governing bodies.

Most recently, the two sides have fallen out over international player release and the catch-all participation agreement.

Commented Moffett: ‘I would like to think that the WRU sees this as a positive move.

‘The first thing the regions wanted to do was put themselves on an even playing field with the likes of England and France who have these bodies that look after the professional game.’

Moffett, who left his post at the WRU in 2005 citing ill health, was behind the launch of the five regional sides in 2003. He was also in charge when the Celtic Warriors were bought out by the WRU and wound up taking the number of regions down to four.

The latest row between the regions and the WRU surrounds player release for the autumn internationals.

Wales coach Warren Gatland initially wanted 13 days to prepare his players for their autumn international against South Africa. The regions initially only wanted to release their Welsh players for five days, once the EDF Energy Cup matches were completed.

In a compromise move, Gatland proposed having his stars either side of the final round of EDF Energy Cup matches – giving him eight days preparation time in total.

But the Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons issued a joint statement last week saying that ‘reaching agreement on extended player release, at least in the short-term, is unlikely’.