Deadline passes as WRU and regions hit stalemate

THE Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets have yet to sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement despite Welsh Rugby Union chair Richard Collier-Keywood setting a deadline of Tuesday night.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby Correspondent [e-mail]

In an email, the WRU chair had asked the three clubs to ensure they had confirmed their intention to sign the new deal by "close of play" on Tuesday - with Collier-Keywood stressing the need to be able to move into next season with "certainty.

However, that deadline has passed without any deal being signed.

We have learned the Professional Rugby Board were meeting yesterday to continue negotiations over the new PRA but talks are likely to continue for some time yet.

All four of Wales' professional clubs had agreed on terms on a new PRA in February but the WRU's takeover of Cardiff Rugby has put a spanner in the works.