Dragons centre Steff Hughes watched team-mate Jack Dixon sustain a nasty injury against Leinster in Dublin - then condemned what he dubbed the ‘unacceptable’ situation that has forced Welsh rugby players to the brink of strike action.
Club stalwart Dixon is out of contract in the summer and spoke just days before about his fears that he may be ‘one injury away from being shown the door’. Sadly, the 28-year-old did pick up a bump in the Dragons’ game with Leinster on Saturday evening, appearing to damage an ankle just before half-time and sitting in the stand for the rest of the game sporting a moonboot.
Afterwards, his midfield partner Hughes spoke with emotion about the circumstances in which Welsh players find themselves, contemplating industrial action amid concerns over the contract freeze this side of the River Severn, the introduction of fixed variable deals and the 60-cap rule. They also want more of a say in matters that directly affect them.
