Wales head coach Warren Gatland has delayed naming his team for Saturday’s Six Nations match against England due to a contract dispute between Welsh rugby officials and Wales players. The Wales players have set a deadline of Wednesday, 22 February, for the issues to be resolved or they will refuse to play the game, which is worth nearly £10 million to Welsh rugby.
The players are requesting the resolution of three issues, including WRPA representation at PRB meetings, the elimination of the controversial 60-cap selection rule, and the modification of new contracts to include variable elements accounting for 20% of salaries. The chairman of the PRB, Malcolm Wall, asserts that the 60-cap rule is under review, whereas the board is determined to move forward with fixed/variable contracts that guarantee players only 80% of their salary.
This Six Nations match has taken on added significance because both teams are struggling offensively, having surrendered a combined nine tries and 69 points, and because both teams have new coaches at the helm. Warren Gatland is in his second tenure as head coach of Wales, having replaced Wayne Pivac in December 2022, while Steve Borthwick replaces Eddie Jones in charge of England.
Both teams have dropped their first two matches of the tournament, with Wales losing to Scotland and Ireland and England losing to Scotland at Twickenham before defeating Italy. All eyes will be on Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday for what could be a pivotal matchup for both teams.
