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New wales Owner steve tandy He says he cannot avoid the “elephant in the room”, with the domestic game facing turmoil and the threat of a players’ strike.
Tandy will take charge of Wales for the first time next month amid a backdrop of uncertainty and potentially huge upheaval in Welsh rugby.
Welsh rugby union There has been a proposal to reduce the number of professional men’s teams in Wales from four to half, with a decision on the future structure of the game following a six-week consultation period with players, stakeholders, politicians and regional teams.
The Welsh Rugby Players’ Association warned that the WRU’s proposals would “lead to talent leaving Wales” and national team captains jack morgan He has indicated that if this happens he will quit playing club rugby out of the country Osprey Team missing.
The Dragons have branded the plans “unacceptable” and on Wednesday former WRU chief executive David Moffett resigned from the United States-based company, which two months ago promised new investment in the Scarlets, although no reason was given for the decision.
“I think you’ve got to be really sympathetic to that situation,” said Tandy, who is preparing for November tests against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
“We all have families, partners and children, but we can’t put it off either. It’s something I’m encouraging from the senior players.
“We have to talk about it. You can’t avoid the elephant in the room.”
“With uncertainty, it’s the last thing you want to do. If they think it’s weird, I’d want to know.
“It goes back to making the connection so they can pick up the phone and have a conversation. It’s about being very open and communicating, whatever it is.
“When you talk to players, they are desperate to play for their country.
“Ultimately, it’s a bit of a distraction, but the more we move through it and talk about it, the clearer we can be about delivering performance.”
Wales players had threatened to strike in February 2023 – just days before the Six Nations game against England in Cardiff – as the future of many of their players became uncertain due to delays in a new financial agreement between the WRU and the four regions.
Asked if he was now worried about players going on strike, Tandy said: “It’s something you have to talk about. But just having that conversation, you never want that to happen.
“Ultimately the way you avoid things like this is to constantly communicate and know that guys have channels to express their opinions.”
WRU president Richard Collier-Keywood has taken temporary overall charge of the governing body as chief executive Abi Tierney stands down from the role after being diagnosed with cancer.
Dave Radin, the WRU’s director of rugby and elite performance, led the executive team which developed the proposed optimal system for the professional game in Wales.
Tandy said: “Dave has been brilliant with me, I guess the word is protecting.
“I’ve been working with rugby and what I need to know. They’ve done a fantastic job of helping me with my everyday job, whether it’s going to areas, meeting players, connecting with other people.”