Hope springs eternal, except in Welsh rugby, of course.
Weeks out from the start of the new season, English clubs are already getting signings in place for the 2023/24 season. The Welsh professional sides meanwhile are still in the dark over their budgets for this coming campaign.
It’s understood that the Welsh Rugby Union are willing to pay £23m for the development and additional release of international players next season, while the professional clubs want somewhere nearer £29m. Five weeks out from the start of the season, it's a miserable situation to be in.
