Regional Rugby Wales threatens legal action
The bitter saga raging in Wales is set to drag on, as Regional Rugby Wales, headed by David Moffett, threatens legal action against the Welsh Rugby Union and International Rugby Board.
The bitter saga raging in Wales is set to drag on as Regional Rugby Wales, headed by David Moffett, threatens legal action against the Welsh Rugby Union and International Rugby Board.
Former WRU chief Moffett firmly believes that none of the current laws governing the specific release of players in Wales are legally enforceable.
Moffett has spotted a loophole in the current participation agreement between the regions and the WRU, which states the Union must detail their requirements of international players before the season starts – which was not the case.
“The rules actually governing the length of release by the Regions to the WRU are contained within the legally binding participation agreement,” a fresh statement read.
“This agreement requires the WRU to advise the Regions, at the start of each season, of their training and assembly requirements for the season ahead, which this year the Union failed to do.”
The statement continues to explain that any attempt by either the WRU or the IRB to force player release could result in legal action by those regions affected ahead of the EDF Energy Cup games next weekend.
By being forced to field weakened teams, the regions will argue that this has a serious impact on their commercial and financial position, especially as last year saw a Welsh region scoop the lucrative title.
What started as a small disagreement has now escalated into a major issue, which has forced coach Warren Gatland to question his role at the WRU.
The real trouble came last week when a statement from the regions accused the WRU of treating them with contempt and reneging on agreements.
Despite Gatland's concern over his future as Wales' coach it has done little to tone down the saga ahead of Wales' opening Test on November 8 – against the world champion Springboks.