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England’s trip to Cardiff in the Six Nations has been plunged into doubt after it emerged Wales players were considering strike action over their contract renewals.
Steve Borthwick’s side are scheduled to play Wales next Saturday but, with many players unhappy at the financial situation within the game, a possible strike is due to be discussed. It is understood that a meeting will shortly take place between Welsh Rugby Players’ Association officials and players before Cardiff is due to host England in round three of the Six Nations.
The situation has been magnified due to recruitment being put on hold for Wales’s four professional regions of Cardiff, Ospreys, Dragons and Scarlets. A new financial agreement between the regions and the Welsh Rugby Union has yet to be confirmed in writing, sparking concern that many players whose existing contracts expire at the end of this season might head away from Wales. It has generated a huge sense of uncertainty for players and their families, and a player exodus from Wales cannot be discounted.
The Wales lock Will Rowlands is set to join French club Racing 92 next season, with current selection policy meaning he would not be available for Wales’s World Cup squad in France later this year.
Wales’s 60-cap rule, which was established in 2017, sees players who subsequently signed contracts to ply their trade outside Wales deemed ineligible for Test selection unless they have won 60 caps or more.
Sinckler in fitness race
ShowKyle Sinckler’s availability for England’s Six Nations fixture with Wales has been thrown into doubt by a facial injury. He has been omitted from a 26-man squad that will take part in a three-day training camp in London this week, although he will be present to receive treatment from England’s medics.
The Bristol prop departed as a blood replacement in the 50th minute of Sunday’s 31-14 victory over Italy and was unable to return, resulting in Dan Cole finishing the game at tight-head.
Sinckler impressed against Scotland and Italy, playing his part in England’s set-piece revival and showing high work-rate on both sides of the ball. It will be hoped he can recover in time for the trip to Cardiff on Saturday week.
Steve Borthwick can at least call on Will Stuart as his replacement, although he will have concerns over the Bath prop’s lack of game time despite including him among the 26. Stuart has not played since dislocating his elbow against South Africa in November and his most recent club outing was against Saracens in October, after which he faced another spell out because of knee damage.
If Sinckler’s wound fails to heal sufficiently, Cole and Stuart will battle it out for the No 3 jersey.
Courtney Lawes will also receive treatment in the camp that fills the first break week in the hope of facing Wales having struggled with a calf injury that has prevented him from taking part in the Six Nations. The Sale flanker Ben Curry is present despite being dropped for the game against Italy, but there is no place for his twin brother, Tom, who is nearing recovery from a hamstring problem.
In a sign of Manu Tuilagi’s slide down the pecking order he has been left out of the 26 with Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence and Joe Marchant the specialist centres named by Borthwick.
England U20s players will join their senior counterparts to boost the numbers for training sessions.
That would make Rowlands, who currently has 23 caps to his name, unavailable for the World Cup unless the rule is changed or he receives special dispensation from the Welsh game’s Professional Rugby Board.
A number of accounts by unnamed players on the lack of a new funding deal were reported by the Daily Mail on Tuesday.
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One player, described as a Six Nations squad member, said: “I can’t believe I’m five months away from the end of my contract and eight months away from the World Cup and my future isn’t certain yet.
“I can’t apply for a mortgage and I’m on antidepressants. I’m also one big injury away from not having a job in July, yet I’m starting for Wales every week and the WRU is making tens of millions from international matches.”
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