Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Wednesday, February 15.
Players and pundits speak out on strike action
Players and pundits have spoken out about the bombshell news that Welsh rugby players are considering strike action ahead of Wales' next Six Nations match against England.
Welsh rugby's freeze on offering players new contracts has left a host of stars in limbo, with one revealing he is currently taking antidepressants to help his deal with the situation. You can read more about that here.
Since the news broke on Tuesday night, a number of players have expressed their support and thanked fans for the reaction shown. A meeting is set to take place this week between Welsh Rugby Players' Association representatives and players, with everything on the table for some players, including potential strike action.
Former Wales international turned pundit Andrew Coombs wrote on Twitter: "This needed to happen sooner. Players should not be playing without a signed contract in front of them. One big injury and they will be jobless with no medical support! I know that feeling well and would not wish it on any other player. Best wishes with your strike action!"
Cardiff player Corey Domachowski said: "Awesome to see the reaction from Welsh rugby fans towards the situation we are all in. It’s good to see you all sticking by us players/staff in these stressful times. We all appreciate the support and hopefully get this dealt with asap for everyone’s wellbeing."
Ospreys' Sam Cross wrote: "Amazing support from the fans towards the players shows the bright side of Welsh rugby. All players are asking for is a fair deal and highlight the failure of PRB [Professional Rugby Board] to properly consult us on issues that impact upon players well-being financially, physically and mentally."
'More haven't spoken up for fear of losing Wales jersey'
Wales international Willis Halaholo said on social media that he believes so many haven't spoken up for fear of losing the Wales jersey.
"Must be nice knowing u can still provide for your kids in about 4months..." he wrote on Twitter. "Esp wen u get injured putting body on the line for ur club …now u got less chance of trying to get a contract somewea to provide for your family because of injury…. Mental health is real… stay strong bradas. Jus speaking up on behalf of the regular club players that have the most uncertainty. Y’all don’t know but I feel the anxiety in the changing room chat with the boys post trainings. Just looking out for my bradas…. Cmon Big Dogs we need y’all …."
As for what happens next, he said: "And all I say ask is in terms of the next level….Don’t judge me for my tweets. Judge me for my performances on the field. And what I mean by this tweet is don’t let my tweets effect selection for red jersey . That’s why I feel so many haven’t spoken up… Jus Let my rugby talk… but….It is wat it is. Jus take it on the chin for my bradas".
Would you support Welsh rugby players taking strike action amid contracts turmoil? Have your say here
Young sends warning to Welsh rugby as strike threat looms
Cardiff boss Dai Young has warned that Welsh rugby cannot assume players will snub more lucrative offers from other countries to continue playing for Wales.
The director of rugby is concerned the slashed budgets facing the regional game means interest from across the border, and beyond, is inevitable over the coming months. Welsh players playing outside of Wales without 60 international caps to their name are ineligible for selection under current rules, but Young believes the pull of the Welsh jersey cannot be taken for granted.
"I'm sure a lot of countries will be monitoring the situation in Wales over the next month or so and more than happy to take our best players," Young said. "I don't think you could ever underestimate the power of the Welsh jersey - every kid growing up in Wales wants to play for Wales - but we shouldn't be arrogant in that either. You'd have to respect players' decisions because we've all got families and mortgages to look after."
An estimated 70 players across the regional game will see their contracts expire at the end of the current season, and as with their domestic rivals, Cardiff are still unable to finalise new deals as they wait for a new financial agreement to be settled with the Welsh Rugby Union.
"We could have the realistic situation of not being able to keep players we want to keep just because of the budgets," Young added. "We will be cutting numbers and we will be reducing salaries because the game in Wales can't sustain the salaries and numbers there at the moment, that's a fact and a situation.
"But to what levels we can't say until we get the budget in front of us. We've had no more information than we've had for a while. The longer it goes on the more and more agitated players and staff will be, but we just all want to know where their future is. I recognise that but we're trying to keep players' heads on the job because we have some important games ahead of us and we have to try and concentrate on that."
Cardiff hit by double injury blow
Meanwhile, Young says Rhys Priestland and James Botham are set to miss the weekend's clash with Benetton.
"We've picked up a couple of injuries," he said. "We've lost two players from the 23 that were available for the last game. Rhys Priestland pulled his hamstring in that game and he'll miss the next two games. He should be all right after that.
"Jim Botham has had his appendix out so he'll probably miss the next two or three games as well. On the positive side, Max Llewellyn has been back in training this week. We'd expect him to come through today [Tuesday] and Thursday and be available for selection this weekend."
Fagerson not getting carried away
Matt Fagerson insists Scotland won't be getting carried away with their blistering start to the Six Nations campaign. The Scots followed up a superb win over England at Twickenham by blitzing Wales 35-7 at Murrayfield - the first time a Scotland side has won their opening two matches of a championship since 1996.
But the Glasgow back-rower insists the toughest tests are yet to come. "We've only won a couple of games on the bounce; that doesn't make us world beaters," he told the BBC. "Putting a bit of consistency on it now is the biggest thing. As a squad we've really tapped into what we're capable of. We're gelling really well as a team and I think that's coming out on the pitch."
Scotland are now gearing up for a trip to Paris next to face France, before welcoming Ireland to Edinburgh in a double-header that will likely define their campaign.
"We're playing the world number two then one," Fagerson added. "France are just coming off an unbeaten streak of 13 games, they've beaten the All Blacks, beat South Africa, beat Ireland before as well. It's an incredibly tough place to go out in Paris so it'll be a tough test.
"Then it's Ireland at home, the world number one. All the years of hard work they've put in are coming to the fore now and they all seem to be on the same page. It's going to be a huge test for us."
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