News

Court date set for regions and WRU

July 06 2009

Wales' four regions are set to take the WRU to court over player release issues for an extra autumn Test fixture that was arranged last month.

The fourth November Test against the All Blacks, which they claim falls outside the agreed IRB window, was confirmed on June 23.

But action taken by umbrella group the Regional Rugby Wales has moved the matter to an emergency court hearing this coming Friday.

"Specifically, the WRU has announced a fourth Autumn International fixture and has, unimaginably, invited the Regions, in writing, to take legal action against the Union if there is any objection," read the RRW statement.

"As a result, RRW has been left with little option but to face the Union's threats head on and take the WRU at its word.

"After being successfully granted an emergency hearing on Friday (3/7/09) in the High Court, RRW today served the WRU with an order to force a full High Court trial before a fourth Autumn International can take place, without the Regions' express permission.

"It is our sincere hope, that this will provide some much needed focus in any future discussions and, if any sense is to prevail, encourage the Union to finally adopt a partnership approach to the running of the professional game in Wales.

"Our overriding desire is to see Welsh rugby succeed at every level but, in order to do so, this must involve the start of a genuine partnership and not simply the approach of a master to his slave."