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The Welsh Rugby Players’ Association released a statement on Wednesday evening
The Welsh Rugby Players’ Association (WRPA) has demanded clarity about the future of the game in Wales following a meeting with Professional Rugby Board (PRB) on Wednesday.
The body that represents and provides a voice for rugby players in Wales has also set a hard deadline of February 6 – the day before Wales’ first Six Nations game – for their request for more information to be met.
The game in Wales was thrown into chaos on Monday when it emerged that the Welsh Rugby Union had chosen the Ospreys owners Y11 as their preferred bidder for rivals Cardiff Rugby.
That triggered a statement from Ospreys players on Tuesday, confirming they had been left in the dark by the union and Y11 over the news.
WalesOnline reported on Wednesday morning that angry Ospreys players walked out of a meeting with club bosses and that training did not go ahead.
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Later in the day, WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood and chief executive Abi Tierney faced a Welsh Affairs Select Committee where they were grilled on the current situation.
The WRPA released a statement of their own on Wednesday night following their meeting with the PRB, which is a sub-board of the WRU, stating that unless their requests for clarity are met that players will “consider their position and next steps”.
Strike action was mooted back in February 2023 in a dispute over player contracts.
Among their calls for information were pleas for answers to the Cardiff situation and the number of Welsh teams that are set to compete in the URC next season.
“The Welsh Rugby Players’ Association (WRPA) met today, 21 January 2026, with the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) to address the significant challenges currently facing the professional game in Wales,” the body said in a statement.
“The WRPA sought clear and definitive answers on a number of critical matters, including the proposed transition within the professional structure, the Cardiff Rugby transaction, licensing agreements and the number of Welsh team expected to compete in the United Rugby Championship next season.
“While certain assurances were provided, the WRPA was unequivocal that continued uncertainty is placing unacceptable strain on players, staff and their families.
“Prolonged ambiguity around contracts, recruitment and future planning is directly impacting player welfare and timely transparent and direct communication is essential.
“The WRPA also raised serious concerns regarding recent media leaks, which have further undermined the confidence during an already challenging period. We reiterated that players must be properly informed before public announcements are made.
“The WRPA has made it clear that meaningful clarity on arrangements for next season must be provided by no later than 6 February. This deadline is essential to prevent further disruption, provide stability and allow players and clubs to make informed decisions.
“Failure to deliver certainty by thus point would inevitably require players to consider their position and next steps.
“The WRPA remains committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders and continues to act in the best interests of player welfare, security and the long-term health of the professional game in Wales.”
The executive committee of the WRPA includes two player representatives from Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets, along with CEO Gareth Lewis and head of operations Natasha Morgan.
Scarlets captain Josh Macleod is the chair, with Ryan Elias the other representative from the Llanelli-based club.
Representing Cardiff are second-row Josh McNally and Teddy Williams, the Dragons have Jared Rosser and Matthew Screech, while James Ratti and Ben Warren are the two Ospreys representatives.
