Post by craigmuncey on Oct 16, 2017 13:31:30 GMT
Breaking news this afternoon, that the so-called Gatland Law has been axed and brought in from next season is the 60 cap rule. This means any players that leave Wales to play club rugby that has not won 60 caps for Wales will no longer be able to pay for their country. Same ruling that Australia brought into force recently.
Totally under the thought process behind this to keep young Welsh talent in the country and hoping the dream of a player to pay for their country keeps them here for a considerable period of time, before they can go further afield to pick up the big cheques.
From what I have read though Rhys Webb who has just agreed to a move to Toulon, was not made aware of this change in approach, and now a player who was employed by the WRU on a national dual contract is now saying he can no longer play for Wales as of next season as only has 28 caps, so has no hope of picking up the number of caps necessary for next season.
Going to be interesting to see what happens in the future. There is no question that currently Welsh sides cannot compete with the finances available to clubs in England and France in particular, so will players take the money thinking of their future and their families in a potentially short career, or will the desire to play for their country keep them in Wales?
Totally under the thought process behind this to keep young Welsh talent in the country and hoping the dream of a player to pay for their country keeps them here for a considerable period of time, before they can go further afield to pick up the big cheques.
From what I have read though Rhys Webb who has just agreed to a move to Toulon, was not made aware of this change in approach, and now a player who was employed by the WRU on a national dual contract is now saying he can no longer play for Wales as of next season as only has 28 caps, so has no hope of picking up the number of caps necessary for next season.
Going to be interesting to see what happens in the future. There is no question that currently Welsh sides cannot compete with the finances available to clubs in England and France in particular, so will players take the money thinking of their future and their families in a potentially short career, or will the desire to play for their country keep them in Wales?