Welsh rugby pay bands could strike wrong note for some players
TO the list of things in life that are guaranteed to provoke a mixed reaction can be added the thorny issue of a fresh wage structure for Welsh rugby.
But that is what is reportedly being discussed in the higher echelons of the game this side of the Severn Bridge.
Some are in favour, believing anything that can cut costs will be useful.
Others fear it could lead to a squeeze on pay for certain players.
Here’s what we know and how leading players could be affected...
WHAT IS BEING TALKED ABOUT?
As part of the changed landscape for Welsh rugby that is set to result for Project Reset, the name given to the proposed fresh start for the professional game in Wales, there is a belief in certain quarters that the wage structure should change as well. Nothing is set in stone.
But a grading system is believed to have been spoken about that would effectively place players in different bands, with the regions paying them accordingly in the agreed wage brackets all parties have signed up to.
How would it work? A good question.
The first challenge would be to set in place criteria that players would have to meet to qualify for inclusion in a higher category.
This is likely to be based around international appearances, if players are considered to be the strongest in their position and other similar things.
Who would be responsible for devising the criteria? Would everyone agree on what would be included?
Countless other questions could be asked.
One suggestion is that a key consideration could involve an individual’s likelihood of playing for Wales over a given period.
It is believed, too, that the bands are quite wide, which might minimise some discontent.
WHY IS CHANGE BEING CONSIDERED?
It is on the table because, according to a source, “Welsh rugby has to try to manage wage inflation”.
There is a widespread acceptance that costs have to be reined in, to ensure regions steer well clear of debt in future years.
The source quoted above continued: “The harsh reality is that we do not have the across-the-board resource available to teams in England and France in particular.
“The pie is only so big and it is not going to get significantly bigger any time soon.
“So, of course we have to look at our costs.
“The option of the regions spending money they don’t have isn’t one that can be seriously embraced after Project Reset.”
HOW LIKELY IS IT TO HAPPEN?
One individual we spoke with said: “I am not convinced it will happen. If it were in England the players’ union would be all over it. Surely the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association will take a stand.”
But there is an alternative view. And it is likely to be articulated by many of those who have seen over the years the day-to-day challenge of running a professional rugby operation in the shadow of wealthier neighbours.
“Something along these lines has to be introduced, to protect Welsh rugby,” said a source near the top of the Welsh game.
“If we carry on trying to keep up with England and France in terms of wages then we’ll end up going ‘pop’.
“But it’s still early days.
“It could all be picked apart next week and something fresh proposed.”
MIGHT A GRADED PAY STRUCTURE WORK AGAINST THE PLAYERS?
It depends what category a player is in.
But given that the idea behind it would be to control costs then of course more than a few might be disappointed. As someone who is down the Wales pecking order right now, Sam Davies has been mooted as a player who would potentially lose if a system of pay grades were introduced.
He might even have to take a wage cut when his current contract expires.
Scott Baldwin, Wales’s World Cup hooker in 2015 but out of the national squad now, is another who could end up in the same sailing vessel.
Where would it all leave someone like Dan Baker, battling back after injury after more than a year out? Back at square one, perhaps. But, presumably, it would be happy days for those placed in higher bands.
WHAT ELSE?
Players are not just influenced by