WRU and Four Regions Sign Deal to End Dispute

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and the four Regions have agreed a deal which puts an end to their long-standing dispute.

The two sides signed a six-year Rugby Services Agreement which will see the principality’s star players under dual contracts funded by the Regions and the WRU.

According to a WRU statement the aim is “to ensure the best Welsh qualified players are identified, click nurtured and retained.”

Under the terms of the deal, allergist the four Regions – Scarlets, sale Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Dragons – will be limited to registering six foreign players.

The dual-contract players will be chosen by Wales head coach Warren Gatland, while players based outside Wales will not be considered for international selection at all other than in exceptional circumstances.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said: “This new agreement creates a new and positive relationship within Welsh rugby and is firmly based on the rugby priorities for Wales.

“The National Dual Contracts represent a radical step forward in our mutual aim of retaining Welsh talent here in Wales.

“The new contracts will help us keep more of our best players in Wales and will help stem the flow abroad of the talent we develop here through our academies and Regions.

“I want to thank all four Regions and their representative body, Regional Rugby Wales, for all the hard work involved across recent months. In particular I also want to thank all our supporters, sponsors, staff and especially our players, coaches and rugby staff for their patience.”

Chairman of Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) Nigel Short said: “Following long and detailed negotiations, RRW is satisfied that the new agreement with the WRU creates a fair, progressive and credible foundation to protect and support the best interests of Welsh Rugby into the future; with the core objective of delivering a sustainable and competitive professional game in Wales.

“The new agreement is a positive step forward for the long-term benefit of Welsh rugby with plenty of hard work still to be done to ensure that the game in Wales prospers, works in partnership and develops at all levels.”