Former Wales international Tom Shanklin has backed Welsh players' strike action threat and admitted he's embarrassed by the contract controversy that's engulfed the game.
Players have set the Professional Rugby Board, made up of the WRU and four regions, a deadline of Wednesday to address their key concerns around proposed new contracts that will see salaries cut across the board.
The main concern for many though is finding a way to lift the contract freeze that has been in place for months, leaving between 70 and 100 players in limbo as they don't know if they have a deal beyond this summer. That freeze can only be lifted when the regions and WRU finalise a new six-year funding deal that was verbally agreed two months ago. You can read an explainer on why there has been such a delay and what happens next here.
Shanklin, who won 70 caps for Wales, is dumbfounded by the sorry situation.
He said: ”Players need to know what is happening. It’s not just about the top players in Wales, but club players, young players, guys on the fringes not knowing if they are going to have a contract or where they are going to have a contract.”
“It is beyond embarrassing. We (Welsh Rugby) look like we are completely amateur compared to all other professional rugby nations. It's not just about money – they are threatening to strike over their jobs and their futures. They are without a plan.
“It’s February now, and for clubs not to be able to negotiate deals for player contracts for next season is disgraceful.
“The impact of this will be felt for a while. There might be an exodus of Welsh players, maybe not for usual reasons we lose players be that extra income, change of culture or sampling other countries – but just out of morals because of what has gone on.
“Welsh players who represent their country are feeling a total lack of respect and trust. I’m with them. For me, out of principle, I think they are doing the right thing in the way they are protecting themselves in striking out. Because something has to be done. We cannot go through a season, like this, where no-one knows budgets, no-one can recruit.
“In this current climate, as professional as you are as a player, it is difficult to put that to the back of your mind ahead of a game. If its relationship issues, things at home, personal family things it can be easier to lock away. But not knowing what you are doing professionally, not knowing how much you are going to be paid, where you are going to be living, if you have to move your family - it far outweighs a win or loss.
“The biggest result we can have this weekend in Welsh Rugby is if we can agree a deal – but I’m not sure we are going to be at that stage."
Would you support Welsh rugby players taking strike action amid contracts turmoil? Have your say here
Tom Shanklin will be part of the Viaplay team for live coverage of Scarlets v Edinburgh on Saturday 18 February (from 5.05pm) plus Leinster v Dragons (live on Viaplay from 7.20pm).
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