Contract crisis looming as star names may opt to look outside of Wales

RUGBY in Wales is currently mired in uncertainty, with a number of top players entering the final year of their contracts as they wait to see what carnage the Welsh game will have in store over the coming months.

- BEN JAMES Rugby writer [e-mail]

The WRU's proposal is to cut the number of men's professional clubs from four to two.

However, a statement by the Welsh Rugby Players Association has confirmed that, following a survey of players in this country, the current playing pool does not support that plan.

Not only that, but one of the questions posed to players over whether they would look at options outside of Wales saw the vast majority answer either 'likely' or 'very likely.

Even with the playing pool likely to drop going from four teams to two, losing a raft of players - as could feasibly happen - would be a body blow to the WRU's two-club model.

Especially when you consider the calibre of player out of contract next summer.

Some of Wales' biggest talents, who will be vital to the WRU's two teams achieving success and attracting fans, will be looking to get their futures largely in place this side of Christmas.