Beaten during its first two outings of the Six Nations Tournament, the Leek XV is going through a crisis on the ground, and outside it.
Wales had not lost their first two games of the Six Nations Tournament for sixteen years. Beaten at home by Ireland (34-10) then in Scotland (35-7), the Welsh added to the sporting crisis a standoff between players and federation. Leek XV threatens to strike at the reception of the English neighbor, Saturday, February 25, if its demands are not heard. If Warren Gatland, the coach, wants to be reassuring and “confident that with the discussions that will be held, it will be settled today”the group is preparing for this crucial duel in a particular climate.
Welsh internationals threaten to strike
At the origin of the tension, the desire of the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), in charge of Welsh rugby, to make changes to the future contracts of internationals. Unlike France, the players are under contract with their federation, via provincial clubs. And four Welsh teams (Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets) have deferred talks with players due to their economic difficulties. “An unacceptable burden on mental health and general well-being”, regretted the Welsh Professional Players Association (WRPA). The players contest the will to guarantee their salary only up to 80%, the rest depending on premiums and bonuses. On the other hand, they want to see abolished the rule, in place since 2017, which imposes on internationals a minimum of 60 selections to be able to evolve abroad while remaining selectable.
Sporting results at half mast
Former benchmark of European rugby, the Leek XV is no longer at the top. In 2022, the team has only won three in twelve games. And the start of the Six Nations is no better, despite the return of Warren Gatland, who had led Wales to the roof of Europe (three victories in the Six Nations Tournament including two Grand Slams). The Welsh are now dead last when it comes to challenging an English team in reconstruction.
His aging team is no longer able to impose his ultra-aggressive defense, one of the best in the world. The nine tries conceded in two games shattered the old red wall. After only leaving the podium three times (in 2017, 2020 and 2022) in the last eleven editions, Wales could well finish last for the first time since the 2003 Tournament.
A weakened federation
Last January, the Welsh federation had already experienced a first earthquake. Its director general, Steve Phillips, had been forced to resign after several women within the organization denounced the sexist culture that reigned there, without however being personally targeted by these accusations. To replace him, Nigel Walker, former director of performance at the federation, has been appointed on an interim basis.