The Welsh Rugby Union has moved to appease disgruntled Wales players after a row over match fees threatened to derail the team’s Nations Championship campaign.
Steve Tandy’s side face Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, but on Wednesday the WRU cancelled its scheduled media briefing with players.
Instead, key members of head coach Tandy’s squad held talks with WRU chiefs to thrash out an agreement over monetary terms for this summer’s three matches.
Daily Mail Sport understands the Wales squad was unhappy with match fee payments of in the region of £6,000 to £9,000 per player and wanted an increase.
The WRU responded to strike an agreement both parties were happy with. It means any threat of a Welsh player strike – which was previously mooted in 2023 ahead of that year’s Six Nations clash with England – has been avoided once again.
A joint statement from the WRU and the Welsh Rugby Players Association read: ‘Media access was postponed due to ongoing negotiations between WRU representatives and the Welsh Rugby Players Association around employment terms for the new Nations Championship competition.
Key members of head coach Steve Tandy’s squad held talks with Welsh Rugby Union chiefs to thrash out an agreement over monetary terms for this summer’s three matches
‘These negotiations have now been concluded to the satisfaction of all parties. Training preparations for the upcoming match against Fiji at Cardiff City stadium have not been affected.
‘Everyone involved is looking forward to a positive result on Saturday and a successful campaign.’
After meeting Fiji, Wales’ next two games are away to Argentina and South Africa.
Tandy will name his team for Fiji on Thursday, though that press conference is set to be dominated by questions over the match fee payments row.
