Wales winger Jonah Holmes has lost his wage appeal to the Welsh Rugby Union, casting doubt over his future with the Dragons. The salaries of the elite 38 home-based players are set by the Union under their wage banding system.
The seven-times capped Holmes was unhappy with the figure he was offered, so he lodged an appeal, which was supported by his region. But that has now been rejected, meaning there is uncertainty of what lies ahead for the out-of-contract 29-year-old.
Players in the elite 38 effectively have 80 per cent of their salaries paid for by the WRU out of the first tranche of the Professional Rugby Board distribution pot. If Holmes is not in that group, the Dragons would have to pay all of his wages out of their own playing budget and it remains to be seen what will happen now and whether he will stay in Welsh rugby.
