Wales players are considering the prospect of unprecedented strike action ahead of next weekend’s crunch clash with England as contractual chaos engulfs the country’s national game.
According tot he Mail Online, Wales players are seriously considering strike action ahead of their Six Nations game with their biggest rivals in doubt.
WRU and the country’s four regions have been unable to agree budgetary deal, meaning players have been unavailable to sign new deals.
"I can’t believe I’m five months away from the end of my contract and eight months away from the World Cup and my future isn’t certain yet," revealed a Wales international.
"I can’t apply for a mortgage and I’m on antidepressants.
"I’m also one big injury away from not having a job in July yet I’m starting for Wales every week and the WRU is making tens of millions from international matches."
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- Another England international signs with Montpellier
Three England changes Steve Borthwick ‘should’ make for Wales clash
With still work to do for the New England boss, we look at three changes he could make to face Wales in a fortnight's time.
Borthwick's men travel to Cardiff in their next game on 25 February, after next weekend's break, as the Azzurri host world number one side Ireland earlier on the same day.
POSSIBLE ENGLAND CHANGES:
#1. Marcus Smith for Owen Farrell
Owen Farrell, Captain of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
RUCK 6/10: "There was a lot of kicking from the England 10 and not much of it was good; either from hand or the tee. However, his overall performance improved significantly when he played in his preferred position."
Andy Goode wrote on Twitter: "Steve Borthwick talks relentlessly about excitement and exciting the crowd, there’s zero excitement at Twickers Borthers, get Marcus Smith on please."
Planet Rugby 5/10: "Relished being in the driving seat as he backed his team-mates regularly early on, going to the corner which paid off in tries. Perhaps over-kicked in the red zone as the jury remains out on who should start at fly-half."
#2. Henry Arundell for Ollie Hassell-Collins
Rugby Pass 6/10: "Completely absent from the game. Perhaps a sign of England’s inability to string together a backline move that unleashes the flyers on the wing."
Evening Standard 6/10: "Struggled to impose himself and has yet to show what he can do at Test level."
I News 5/10: "Didn’t find himself involved much today and barely registered a significant attacking touch, which is a shame."
RUCK 5/10: "Needs to be replaced by Arundell after his club mate made an immediate impact from the bench.:
Rugby World 5/10: "Must’ve been getting cold on the edge, waited about half-an-hour for a touch only to get the ball straight to the head. Replaced by Henry Arundell on the hour having struggled to make his mark."
Telegraph 5/10: "Does nail polish enhance athletic performance? Yet to be convinced."
Planet Rugby 4/10: "Replaced on 54 minutes and will now hope he’s done enough to retain his spot in the side against Wales."
Ollie Hassell-Collins of England during the England Rugby Captains Run ahead of the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 11 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#3. Sam Simmonds for Alex Dombrandt
Rugby Pass 6/10: "The pedigree of other No. 8s around the world means that Dombrandt will always be graded on a curve. He was fine this afternoon, but never really set Twickenham alight:
RUCK 6/10: "Another mixed bag from the Quins number 8. Lacking consistency at this level."
Evening Standard 7/10: "Still looks slightly short of full zip, but some nice touches."
I News 7/10: "The Quins 8 was firmly in the shadow of Ludlam and Willis today."
Rugby World 6/10: "Still guilty of spilling the ball more often than he’d like"
Alex Dombrandt of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
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