WALES CAPTAIN SAM WARBURTON made history today by becoming the first of his country’s players to become centrally contracted to the WRU.
Warburton, who led Wales to Six Nations success in 2012 and 2013, as well as the Lions, signed up with his union today and expressed his delight at the deal.
The WRU now control Warburton’s playing contract and have released him back to his club, Cardiff Blues, free of charge. His salary will be paid by the union. The central contract is similar to the scheme operated by the IRFU. The union will be hoping that their increased financial clout — over that of the struggling Welsh regions — will encourage other Welsh players to stay on in the country.
Warburton said, “Now that my future is secured within Wales I look forward to focusing on the Six Nations and beyond.”
WRU group chief executive, Roger Lewis, commented, “We have been able to strike a deal which ensures the Welsh captain will continue to play his rugby at the highest level here in Wales.” He added:
Welsh rugby together cannot stand back any longer and watch its best players leave Wales. We all have to act together and act now in the best interests of the game.”
The central contract introduction was not enough to convince Warburton’s teammate Leigh Halfpenny from signing up with Top 14 side Toulon for next season. Ospreys secured the playing services of lock Alun-Wyn Jones earlier this week and fullback Lee Byrne is to join Newport Gwent Dragons from Clermont during the summer.
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Well done to the WRU hopefully the first of many for Wales
There’s ten Wales players playing in the Top 14 next season…too late for them, but it’s a start. What took them so long to follow the IRFU and the NZRFU? This might bode well for the Rabo12 and inflict some additional damage on McCafferty’s off the wall plans for European rugby..
The England RFU now needs to follow suit and regain control from the PRL. They could begin by central contracting new players to the Saxons and England squads.
Wru don’t own regions. That ship has sailed for the time being at least. Wru now need to control the top players. Unlike here where 20 central contracts will suffice due to irfu owning provinces wru will need to centrally contract a minimum of 30 players. This will take 3 years to achieve with 10/12 currently outside Wales on contract but combined with garlands law being enforced once players are home will ensure Wales future in international game.
This does really intensify the club/country war that is going on, if Cardiff don’t play ball on wrfu they’ll loose him.
As a captain should! Be a leader.
Unrealated to this particular story but money is becoming huge in rugby where as it was once mainly loyalty! turning like soccer big time! Money talks
Fully agree… But at the same time, players so need to ensure their futures are secure…
There is an amazing reaction online.Some applauding him for signing..others out for his blood