Welsh legend Jonathan Davies slams ‘poor communication’ as he urges WRU to ‘respect’ employees
Welsh legend Jonathan Davies slams 'poor communication' as he urges WRU to 'respect' employees
Former Welsh international Jonathan Davies has called out the Welsh Rugby Union, claiming that the governing body has shown their professional players a lack of respect AND support.
“Feel sorry for all Welsh professional rugby players,” Davies wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “With poor communication consistency or support from your union. The main reason I left for RL. Respect and support your employees well. Sad state of affairs. Heartbreaking to see.”
This claim follows on from the recent news that the Scarlets and Ospreys have yet to sign up to the new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25), and have since been issued with a two-year notice on the current deal.
This will mean that from next year, Cardiff and Dragons will receive an incentivised £6.5 million a year in central funding, while the other two clubs will receive just £4.5 million.
Welsh fans frustration has not died down
Following the announcement, fans were quick to react, with some branding the governing body as employing ‘bully-boy tactics’.
The anger in the Welsh community appears not to have settled down since, with Davies‘ recent tweet generating some rather heated responses.
One commenter said: “It just seems like a gross abuse of power. 1 minute the WRU saying relationships are being restored. The next: a 48hr ultimatum. Even though the regions had critical questions unanswered. Pulled the rug out from underneath them. And it’s all the WRU’s doing in the 1st place.”
Another added: “Seems to me they say one thing publicly…but behind closed doors they want something else… I’d give them some respect if they just came out & said exactly they want.. to many takers in a smaller £££ pool…”
A frustrated Welshman concluded: “Indeed Jiff. A shocking about-turn by the WRU from just a few weeks ago, on the back of O’s and Scarlets not signing the new PRA. It’s typical, badly timed and communicated, bullying tactics by the very same organisation that exists to unite all facets of Welsh rugby.”
Welsh Rugby Union statement
In a statement detailing the recent announcement, WRU CEO Abi Tierney said: “We are continuing to talk to all four clubs about what the future will hold.
“We recognise this will be time of uncertainty and are committed to treating all the clubs, players, and supporters with respect and fairness throughout this process.
“We acknowledge the continued commitment of each club to Welsh rugby and will formulate a new plan with the best interests of the whole game in Wales at the forefront of our thinking.”
Ospreys and Scarlets react with concern
This was met with huge opposition from those at Ospreys and Scarlets, with a statement of their own reading: “The Ospreys and Scarlets are concerned and disappointed to read the WRU’s statement today (18 May 2025) outlining a sudden change in its strategy of four equally-funded professional clubs in Wales.
“This U-turn has now created more destabilising and debilitating uncertainty in our game, with pertinent questions being asked by stakeholders across our clubs and within our communities regarding the future framework and landscape for professional rugby in Wales.”
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