Welsh rugby players’ boss Ashton Hewitt has called for an end to the damaging uncertainty over playing contracts this side of the River Severn.
The Welsh Rugby Players Association, which the Dragons wing chairs, put out a statement earlier this month saying some of their members were being detrimentally impacted by doubts over their futures amid the freeze on the regions’ ability to recruit and retain stars.
While conditional arrangements are being set in place, no formal new deals are able to be completed at this point, leaving Hewitt urging that the situation be sorted.
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"It has to conclude as soon as possible," said Hewitt. "It is boys’ livelihoods and we need as much security and reassurance as possible.
"There are some nervous boys who are taking to the field every week."
For players, the outlook is beyond challenging with some reportedly facing pay cuts of 50 percent as Welsh rugby attempts to agree a new financial settlement. A fresh arrangement has been agreed verbally but until contracts are able to be formally offered and agreed in ink, players will continue to be understandably concerned.
“It’s tough,” acknowledged Hewitt. "These situations are never easy. We are rugby players and a lot of the time we don't want to get bogged down with detail. We just want to do our job, but with everything that is going on in the background, there is added pressure.
"There is always that thought that we are putting our bodies on the line every week and to be faced with that uncertainty.
"We are hearing there is movement in the background and hopefully we are coming to a conclusion regarding this financial agreement between the regions.
"I am urging all parties to get it sorted as soon as possible so players can focus a hundred percent on rugby, which over the last few years, unfortunately, has not always been the case."
One player representative hinted this week that it would be “mayhem” in the new year as regions and players made calls over contracts. Countless players are heading for free-agent status with Cardiff recently suggesting up to 40 percent of their squad could be in that position.
The impasse has raised concerns of a potential exodus, with Will Rowlands and Max Llewellyn having already agreed deals beyond Wales and Ryan Elias the latest big name to be targeted.
Meantime, the worry for those at the sharp end goes on, with the WRPA noting in their statement of early December that some players are struggling to re-mortgage their homes or secure mortgages at all as they have no guarantee of employment beyond this season.
"Lately we have been given more information than in the past which is positive and we are more engaged and involved with what is going on," continued Hewitt.
"We would always like to have more information and it is something we constantly push for. Progress has been made but there is still some way to go and we want to get hold of the information as soon as we can. It is about keeping players in the loop so there is transparency and understanding of what is going on.
"The unknown and lack of information players have can add to stress.
"What we are being told about why it's taking so long is because they don't want to rush and they want to get things right so this does not happen in the future.
"We have had a few things over the years that have added to the stress of playing rugby in Wales. So it's something the players want to make sure this does not happen in the future and the game in Wales is as secure as can be."
Dragons ace Hewitt is out of contract himself at the end of the season. "I have made no secret of how much I love playing for my home region," he added. "I am a Newport boy and I love Rodney Parade and what we have got here at the Dragons.
"It is very close to home and my heart. I wish everything was simple but you never know what is going to happen in the future. It would never be an easy decision if anything else was to come up.
"I would be happy to stay at the Dragons but there is a lot going on in the background. We have heard a bit more over the last few weeks but there is still that level of uncertainty and it's not a nice place to be.
"You are going on the pitch putting your body on the line every week worrying about security and stability. It is something we have to do at the minute and hope that everything in the background sorts itself out and there is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel."
Injuries have plagued the flyer but he is fit again and turned in an eye-catching performance against Cardiff on Boxing Day. Of being back, he said: "I have loved it. It has been a tough couple of years with injuries. It is hard to take but you have to pick yourself up and get on with things. It is behind me and I’m looking to hit as good a form and help the Dragons as much as I can."
He described playing for Wales as an ambition, stating: “As long as I am playing it is an ambition that will never go away.
"I have a job here to do first and control what I can. I will put out my performances as best as I can. It is something I will keep pushing for but my priority is with the Dragons."
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