As the urban war between the Welsh Rugby Union and the four regions continues, it has been revealed that the Red Dragons could earn a 28,000 pound cash bonus if they produce a clean sweep in their four Test matches at the end of the year.
The profitable deal between the WRU and the players’ union doesn’t stop there.
If the Welsh win a third Six Nations Grand Slam this millennium in 2010, the players will receive 65,000 pounds each.
All up, if the Welsh do manage to go unbeaten through the autumn internationals and the RBS Six Nations, the WRU will potentially pay out close to an astonishing 2.5 million pounds.
This latest revelation may add fuel to the furnace, with the regions having already shown their displeasure at any decision the national body puts forward.
Wales will host the All Blacks, Wallabies, Pumas and Samoans in their end of year clashes, and while whitewashing all sides – three of whom are placed higher than them in the current IRB world rankings – would certainly be an achievement worth such financial reward, the actual itinerary may not even take place.
The four regions, represented by the Cardiff Blues, the Scarlets (centred on Llanelli), Ospreys (Neath-Swansea) and Newport Gwent Dragons; are effectively disputing how the game is being run and financed by the WRU, but the latest debate may derail what is effectively Wales’ glamour clash of 2009.
The All Blacks, considered the greatest visiting drawcard for any nation, are scheduled to play Wales on November 7th this year.
The first Test match of both nation’s autumn international timetable officially falls outside the designated IRB window for international rugby.
Despite the WRU insisting that they have been forthright throughout the arrangements to plan Wales’ end of year matches, the regions argue that their permission was needed before the fixture could be approved – and that they were kept in the dark.
They are now threatening that they will not release players for the match, which is already sold out at Millennium Stadium.
This is on top of their disagreements with a new global financing package, which if agreed upon, would act as the cement for what has been a tumultuous relationship between club and country.
Two years of meetings and debate have not resolved that issue.
There has been much upheaval in the Welsh rugby landscape in the professional era, most notably tracing back to 2003.
The nine major clubs of Wales were merged into five regions that year, mirroring the now almost global model seen exercised by Super rugby franchises and Irish regional rugby.
The fifth region; the Celtic Warriors (effectively merged from Bridgend RFC and Pontypridd RFC), was in terms of results on the park, a successful team, winning two thirds of their matches in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup.
However, there was a series of misdemeanours that led to its demise.
Bridgend boss Leighton Samuel for all intensive purposes took full ownership of the region when Pontypridd sold their share, and home matches were subsequently shifting to Bridgend’s Brewery field.This move affected attendance and support for the club.
The region and Samuels then basically sold the remaining stakes of club to the WRU – who had originally stressed that they wanted four regions.
Welsh bosses David Moffett and David Pickering then, barely 12 months after the club was formed, liquidated and disbanded the club that was in financial trouble.
Ironically, the WRU are looking at re-implementing a fifth region again, in Northern Wales.The valley’s “ground zero” lack of a professional club still rightfully riles some supporters.
Since then the relationship has been frosty at best with all parties.
Just last year the regions and the WRU clashed in court, with the national union winning.
If the All Blacks clash does not go ahead, Wales stands to lose up to three million pounds, which is approximately how much the regions receive from the national body.
Here is where it is all a bit obtuse.
The bulk of this money comes from broadcasting and participation fees, and the regions would prefer to receive this money from the “backers” not via the Union.
The regions want more money to help keep top international players in the country, as across the board the Welsh rugby bosses (the WRU and Warren Gatland) have said that a players chance of representing the test team are reduced if playing outside the country.
Foreign club teams will only release players within the IRB test windows; whereas the regions are saying that they are more generous with player release.
So if they are, why are they going to court?
Gatland says the All Blacks game is crucial.
It exposes Welsh players to a marquee test team, generates hype, which in turn engenders opportunities for sponsorship and increased finances.
Which in turn benefits the regions, as the success and exposure of the national side drives the financial success of most countries and Wales is no exception.
Hopefully for Wales’ sake, this will all end quickly and the Red Dragons can try to end a 56 year losing streak to the All Blacks.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
By my count, the Brumbies have played three teams of consequence this season. The first two - the Chiefs and Blues - thrashed them…
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan says it’s “purely coincidental” that Semipeni Finau has put on a massive, late hit on a fourth fly-half in nine…
He was born 1905, 1904 or 1908 according to various reports, in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, and is remembered as one of the great Māori players.
I don’t really get the comparisons between Joey Manu and Sonny Bill Williams. I realise they have the Roosters in common, along with a…
All Blacks star Jordie Barrett has announced a sabbatical to play with Irish club Leinster at year's end, while committing his future to New…
There are those who will forever play the man - and not the ball - where TJ Perenara is concerned. The All Blacks and…
