Wales

Gatland changes regions' foreign policy

ESPN Staff

Warren Gatland has been a key figure in the negotiations between the regions and the WRU © Getty Images Enlarge

Wales coach Warren Gatland successfully persuaded the regions to change their plans which would have seen them have just five guaranteed Welsh players in any matchday XV.

According to WalesOnline, one aspect of the ongoing discussions between the regions and the WRU over a new Participation Agreement concerned the number of Welsh players in any team. The regions reportedly wanted to have up to 10 foreign players in their team, meaning on any given weekend of Guinness PRO12 rugby there could be just 20 Welsh players in action.

But Gatland, who has been heavily involved in the ongoing talks between the regions and the WRU, reportedly negotiated to have the five Welsh players increased to eight and in turn, compromised over the number of players in his core squad reducing that from 45 to 38. Of those eight players, two can be players who are serving the required three-year residency spell in the country with a view to playing for Wales in the future.

The talks between the WRU and the regions are ongoing with the same reports saying the two bodies are close to finding a compromise on the playing side of the agreement but other matters are stalling negotiations.

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