Wales’ four regions are set to start the New Year by fighting over the players in Wayne Pivac’s national squad in a bid to receive more money from the Welsh Rugby Union.
The governing body are planning to create an elite list of 38 men which will be made up of the Welsh-based players head coach Pivac sees as vital to his team’s development and long-term success.
Moving forwards into 2020 each region will receive more funding from the WRU’s Professional Rugby Board (PRB) the more players they have in that 38-man party.
It means the Dragons, Cardiff Blues, Ospreys and Scarlets are all keen to keep hold of their international stars as a means of increasing their playing budget via WRU support as well as looking at bringing in Wales players from their rival regions.
The new Welsh system will be similar to England’s elite player squad model, but unlike their Red Rose rivals, it is understood that Wales are unlikely to make the identity of their list public.
Wales’ star players who are based in England – such as Dan Biggar, Liam Williams and Taulupe Faletau – sit outside the 38-man list.
The PRB is yet to officially tell each region their official budget for next season, but it is understood the WRU-owned Dragons could see theirs rise by up to £2million – a move unpopular with the other three sides. “It would be fantastic to know what our budget is. That will come at some stage and I’m sure the PRB are working their way towards finalising that,” said Blues head coach John Mulvihill.
“Project Reset was tough last year, but I think we’re further down the line now and we won’t be far away from those budgets being revealed. We certainly don’t want a repeat of last year because I think that was unfair on players and coaches.”
.@SanjayWills will return to @scarlets_rugby next season Dychweliad rhagorol i Gymru i’r cefnwr.
– https://t.co/rFUOXE3fyf pic.twitter.com/7RtiLd1iGz
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) December 26, 2019
The WRU believe they should reward the regions for producing international stars and they will support the wages of those players on the 38-man list.
That frees up extra cash for the regions to spend elsewhere.
The Scarlets have finalised their deal to bring Wales and Saracens star Williams back to Llanelli while they are also keen to keep hold of current full-back Leigh Halfpenny.
The struggling Ospreys, meanwhile, would see their funding drop if Bristol Bears target Justin Tipuric – who is also wanted by French clubs – leaves the Liberty Stadium.
Dragons and Wales lock Cory Hill is of interest to the Blues while his regional team-mate Ross Moriarty is also out of contract at the end of the season.
“There are a few players who are coming out of their contracts and have options. I’m sure he’s one of a multitude of players a lot of clubs will be speaking to at the moment,” said Mulvihill, when asked if he was keen on signing Hill.
“Our big focus is our forward pack and we’ll be looking to bolster our front five. Last year we did very well bringing some astute signings into the back-line, but there is no point having the Ferrari in the garage when you don’t have the engine to run it.
“We’re looking at some power forwards for next season.”
