WRU given four weeks to keep Sam Warburton and Co. in Wales
The ultimatum reflects growing concern that the four out-of-contract Wales players of Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny, Adam Jones and Alun-Wyn Jones will be tempted into joining the cross-Channel exodus.
A growing sense of impatience by the players’ advisers follows Clermont‘s capture of Jonathan Davies, the latest Welsh Lion to finalise a move which more than doubles his money.
“Unless something is done very soon all those players will be leaving,” one agent said. “We’ve got to know what’s on offer from the WRU within the next month. We simply can’t wait any longer. There’s been a lot of talk but nothing on the table.”
The WRU is understood to be keen to sign up to six players on central contracts, with Warburton as captain and Halfpenny as the IRB’s world player of the year topping their list.
The Union issued a statement last month saying they were offering to contract ‘all of the regions’ leading Welshqualified players who are out of contract at the end of this season, on appropriate terms to be agreed.’
More than three weeks later, those terms have still to be agreed. Under transfer regulations, Warburton, Halfpenny and the Joneses will be free to enter into negotiations with any prospective new employer in the New Year.
Jamie Roberts, one of the latest to join the expanding Welsh colony in the French Top 14, has no regrets about his move from Cardiff Blues to Racing.
“There’s quite a Welsh hub in France now and that’s brilliant,’ he wrote in The Independent yesterday. “I’m only three games in but it’s been a great experience. It’s just wonderful to try something new.”
PETER JACKSON
