Europe 1 with AFP 10:10 p.m., February 22, 2023

The match between Wales and England on behalf of the third day of the Six Nations Tournament, which was under the threat of a strike by Welsh internationals, will take place on Saturday in Cardiff, announced Wednesday the captain of the Leek XV, Ken Owens.

A contractual dispute currently opposes Welsh players and the federation. 

The threat weighed on the meeting between Wales and England (Saturday at 5:45 p.m.) in the Six Nations Tournament.

The Welsh federation announced on Tuesday that the announcement of the composition of its team was canceled.

The match will finally take place but the discontent of the players of the Leek XV does not fall.

A contractual dispute between the Welsh professionals and their federation (WRU) cast uncertainty over the holding of this match.

The cancellation of the meeting could have lost up to 9 million pounds (about 10 million euros) to the WRU.

"The players are happy, that's why the game will be on Saturday," said Ken Owens.

>> READ ALSO

- Six Nations Tournament: Danty, Hastoy and Lebel released by Fabien Galthié before Scotland

Economic difficulties

"We felt we had to take a stand, but the discussions that have taken place over the past ten days have shown that solutions can be found," added the Welsh captain, saying he was "looking forward" to taking on the challenge. England on Saturday.

Faced with the economic difficulties of Welsh clubs, professional rugby proposed a redefinition of player contracts, in which only 80% of the salary would be guaranteed, the remaining 20% ​​being made up of bonuses.

The current contracts of many players playing in the four provinces (Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets) expire at the end of the season, and while awaiting an agreement for the following years, the players, worried about their future, threatened to go on strike in the middle of the Six Nations Tournament.

>> READ ALSO

- Rugby: Raphaël Ibañez praises the action of Bernard Laporte at the FFR, despite his legal troubles

New discussion framework

Faced with the imminence of the crisis, all the professional players in the country were invited on Wednesday to a new discussion session with the Professional Rugby Council (PRB).

"I am pleased to announce that following intense discussions throughout the past week, the Wales-England match will go ahead as planned," said manager Nigel Walker after the meeting. acting general of the Welsh FA.

On the merits, the dispute is not settled but the protagonists of the crisis have agreed on a new framework for discussions, including the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA).

Welsh rugby players were also calling for the removal of the rule requiring internationals to have at least 60 caps before they can go play abroad while remaining eligible.

"As for the 60-cap rule, it's still in effect. But the number has been reduced to 25," Walker revealed at the press conference.

England's reception is scheduled for 5.45pm on Saturday at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The list of 23 players selected for this match should have been revealed on Tuesday but Warren Gatland, the New Zealand coach of Wales, had deferred it.

It should be known Thursday.

Wales, currently last in the Tournament, have lost their first two matches in the competition for the first time in 16 years.

Beaten at home 34-10 by Ireland, the Leek XV followed up with a historic setback in Edinburgh against Scotland (35-7).