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.
The situation has led to suggestions Wales versus England will be off this weekend, although Warren Gatland insists the game will go ahead as planned at the Principality Stadium.
“It’s just so disappointing,” said former Wales U20 captain Hughes in an interview with S4C. “We have been waiting months and months and I know people have been speaking in the week. It’s about people like Jack, who turn up every week. He doesn’t know if he’s got a contract in the summer. He’s put his body on the line and has had a nasty injury.
“This is the problem we have got, so something needs to be sorted quickly. It’s an unfortunate situation that’s been going on for too long.
"In the end we don’t have much choice as players.”
Hughes, who has also captained the Scarlets, admitted he could be part of any strike action, saying: “Yeah, things need to change, obviously.
“I know a lot of things are going on in the background, but this isn’t about money. This is about the boys who work hard every day, putting their bodies on the line for clubs and for Welsh rugby.
“It’s not acceptable in any workplace to treat people like this. All we’re asking for is that people have job security for next season. It’s in three months’ time.
“We want to play rugby, we want to play well, we want to compete and that is what’s important to us. But, also, we have to have something back from other people.
“It’s so difficult for the boys, especially for Jack. That’s what he spoke about in the week.”
Dixon has been made a verbal contract offer and Dragons coach Dai Flanagan has pledged the region would honour such arrangements even in the event of injury.
But the midfield man will not have security of mind until signatures are on paper.
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