WRU rejects clubs' compensation claim

The Welsh Rugby Union insists the four regions cannot demand extra compensation for releasing players to the World Cup – because they have already been paid it.

The professional regions – Cardiff, Ospreys, Llanelli Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons – want a pay-off of around £1million because their best players will be missing until November.

But the WRU maintain the substantial increase in central funding received by the four regions – from a combined £1.8million to £3.4million for three years until 2009 – covers the release of players for international tournaments.

The WRU also refuted suggestions they had only just made a ruling on the issue and produced notes of a meeting held on February 28, which included representatives from all four regions plus union chief executive Roger Lewis.

The WRU state the regions were told in that meeting their demands for additional money were “without foundation and that player release was covered in the arrangement represented by the large increase in the distribution of funds agreed in 2006.”

The WRU want to know why the regions have not made similar applications for compensation from Ireland and Scotland. They also note Gloucester and Worcester, who provide two members of the Wales World Cup squad, have not applied for compensation.

Lewis said: “We are saddened that on the eve of the Rugby World Cup, the four regions have adopted this approach and have put unnecessary pressure on Wales’ build-up.

“The facts are clear and unambiguous. The four regions have been demanding nearly a million pounds in compensation for releasing their players to pull on the red jersey of Wales in the greatest rugby tournament in the world.

“The Welsh Rugby Union is saying a firm and decisive ’no’ to this demand. We are saying no because it would not be fair to the rest of Welsh rugby to give such an enormous sum to four regions who already receive large and generous sums from the WRU.”

There is no danger of the regions refusing to release their players for the World Cup – but they remain aggrieved at losing expensive players until at least the middle of October.

Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell said: “They always pay compensation for the World Cup or a British Lions tour – it’s standard. In the last World Cup we got £12,500 to £15,000 per player. We want between £20,000 and £25,000 this time.

“It’s only fair. We haven’t seen (Colin) Charvis and (Ceri) Sweeney since the end of last season and probably won’t until November. And we are paying their wages all that time.”

The row goes deeper than just the World Cup. The WRU want to strike a new long-term participation agreement with the regions.

But Hazell told the South Wales Argus: “It’s also about a participation agreement, a five-year deal with them until 2012. But what are rugby players going to earn in 2010 or 2012?”

The union are anxious to avoid having to sit down with the regions to discuss these issues every two years and instead want to agree upon a long-term working solution.

Lewis said: “We want the regions to be as strong and successful as possible and we will always make sure that ambition is reflected with proper funding.

“The current discussions with the regions are aimed at securing a range of innovative and positive measures which will develop our regional game to new heights over the next five years.

“The regions are rightly proud of their important place within the family of Welsh rugby and they will want to help us achieve success for the whole of the game in Wales.

“I am incredibly disappointed at the attitude and actions of the regions in taking their current stance over the discussions.

“At the end of our meeting on 23 August, I clearly stated that we want to continue discussing our five-year plan with them, which includes significant new money for the regions.

“That offer remains on the table.”