Wales players in row with WRU as strike action threatened and press conference cancelled

Wales cancelled their press conference on Wednesday amid a dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union over match fees for the summer Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa. Players were due to face the media ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship clash with Fiji but failed to appear at their Vale of Glamorgan base after journalists had waited over an hour.

The playing group wanted a meeting with WRU bosses on Wednesday afternoon to have the issue resolved. At various points during the day, strike action looked a distinct possibility, however this was seemingly avoided when a deal was struck late on Wednesday afternoon. A joint statement from the WRU and Welsh Rugby Players Association confirmed that negotiations had concluded to the satisfaction of all parties. Media access was postponed due to ongoing discussions around employment terms for the new Nations Championship competition, with training preparations unaffected.

Head coach Steve Tandy named his 33-man squad on Wednesday, with the announcement overshadowed by the pay dispute. Dafydd Jenkins withdrew due to a shoulder injury. The Wales coach cut eleven players from the squad. When speaking about the dispute, Tandy insisted there was no hangover. "To be honest I just want to talk about Fiji and the rugby," said the Wales coach. "The only thing I'm really grateful of is it is resolved and there's no hangover from it. The boys have been really focused when it comes to training and the way the boys have been on the field and in the meetings have been impeccable."

Tandy revealed he was not involved in the negotiations with the WRU but kept connected with his players throughout. Player disputes over match fees are not new to Welsh rugby, with a similar situation arising in 2023 ahead of the clash with England. Ken Owens branded Welsh rugby a laughing stock during that dispute, though it was resolved days before kick-off. The timing remains far from ideal for Tandy as Wales prepare for their opening match against the Flying Fijians in the new competition.