Welsh regions supportive of player policy

The four Welsh regions have thrown their full support behind the controversial new Wales selection policy designed to keep the best players in the country.

National coach Warren Gatland has drawn up a proposal which states that any player who wants to pursue a lucrative club contract outside Wales will be putting his international future in jeopardy.

The approach is similar to that employed by Gatland’s native New Zealand, who do not consider any overseas-based player for the All Blacks.

The proposal was discussed today by the Professional Rugby Board – made up of representatives from the Welsh Rugby Union, Newport Gwent Dragons, Cardiff Blues, Llanelli Scarlets and the Ospreys – and it received a positive response.

A spokesman for the four regions said: “We are fully in favour of this policy which will encourage more of our best players to seek to play their rugby in Wales.

“This will encourage our best players to develop their careers under the watchful eyes of the strong regional and national structures in place here in Wales.

“The ultimate winner will be Welsh rugby itself as we will be able to achieve our stated aims of identifying, nurturing and developing all the talent out there in Wales.

“Player welfare is also a key area we will be able to oversee and co-ordinate under this strategy.”

The proposal, which already has the full support of WRU chief executive Roger Lewis, will go before the full board of the Union to be rubber-stamped on January 24.

If approved the policy will be adopted immediately, although it will not include players who currently earn a living outside Wales.

Gatland going forward wants to ensure current and future internationals remain within Wales’ elite structure, so they will always be available for international squad duties.

He said: “I have had very positive discussions with all the regions and I hope the backing they have now given to this strategy will help further the partnership between them and the national squad to help us all go forward and develop the game in Wales.”

There are critics of the policy. Players’ union boss Richard Harry has questioned its enforceability given the lack of international-quality depth in Welsh rugby.

He said: “If scrum-halves Dwayne Peel and Mike Phillips both leave Wales, I couldn’t for one second Warren Gatland wouldn’t consider them for the national team. I just don’t think it would happen.”

But Lewis has vowed to “argue the case for this policy with determination and vigour”.

And he said: “I am delighted by the response of the regions to this initiative.

“We all discussed it before the strategy was announced and we can now work together to ensure we achieve our common aims more effectively.

“It is a brave and tough strategy but we are determined to carry this through because of the clear benefits it will deliver.”