Welsh rugby powerbrokers are considering lowering the controversial 60 cap law to 25 caps in a bid to avoid a player strike.
Wales' players have threatened strike action as a result of the contract freeze which is in place at Wales' four professional sides and have set the Professional Rugby Board a deadline of Wednesday to resolve three key issues.
The players want the 60-cap law scrapped, a player representative on the PRB and the idea of fixed variable contracts binned.
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WalesOnline understands the PRB are set to vote tomorrow with most in favour of 25 caps while some want 30, and others want 40 but what is certain is the cap threshold is about to be significantly lowered.
Discussions remain ongoing over the nature of the new contracts being offered and the strike threat remains for now. You can read why the players are so unhappy with the contracts here.
The 60-cap law was introduced in 2017 by former Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips in a bid to strengthen the regions and to provide greater player access to the coach of the men's national side.
Despite being unpopular with some players and supporters the law worked with regards keeping players in Wales while it also brought the likes of Ross Moriarty, Tomas Francis and George North back.
But Welsh rugby's proposed new financial framework will see budgets at all four regions dramatically cut while player wages will also be driven down.
With this in mind, and given there remains a freeze on any new contracts, many players believe the 60-cap law is a restraint of trade even though Wales are an invitational side.
WalesOnline has learned there has been a difference of opinion over the cap law between the WRU, Rugby Management Board and the PRB.
One party wanted it scrapped entirely, another wanted it at 20, while the regions preferred 40 caps but in the end they appear to have agreed on 25 caps.
Should it get rubber stamped by the PRB and agreed by the players then any player with 25 caps or over will be eligible to represent Wales while plying their trade outside of the country.
But one loophole is uncapped players who are employed outside of Wales remain eligible.
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