Hill’s departure won’t change cap rule, insists WRU boss Phillips

WALES’S 60-cap rule will stay amid the imminent departure of Cory Hill, WRU chief executive Steve Phillips has confirmed.

Cardiff Rugby lock Hill was released from the Welsh summer squad as it came to light that he was seeking opportunities abroad next season.

The 29-year-old has only 32 caps for his country, meaning if he left

Wales to play his club rugby he would be ineligible for the national team.

Phillips, though, said the rule will remain in place.

“There will always be exceptions (to the rule keeping players in Wales) and Cory is one of those,” Phillips told the BBC.

“We are disappointed to see an experienced international leaving Wales, but that remains Cory’s prerogative.

“In general we think the policy has worked well.

“There have been many examples of players returning like Josh Adams and Ross Moriarty to Wales because of it and numerous situations where players have stayed because they can represent their country.

“The regions do benefit from access to the Welsh players while it is in place.

“The policy is always up for discussion.

“If it needs to change or adapt for the benefit of Welsh rugby, that will be considered.”

It looks likely that Hill will end up in Japan, a path former Wales and Scarlets centre Hadleigh Parkes took last year.

However, Phillips does not believe

Hill’s move will spark further departures.

“It is a different threat from a different time,” he added.

“Previously the conversation was about a move to England or France, it seems Japan is the new attraction.

“It is a balance between that and wanting to play for Wales and we have to respect everybody’s decision.”