WRU Make £1m Available to Keep International Players in Wales

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) will make £1m ($1.5m) available in an attempt to keep international players in Wales.

The four regions in Wales have seen a number of high-profile players leave the country in the past year, including current British and Irish Lions George North, Jamie Roberts and Dan Lydiate.

Now the WRU says it will ‘target the development, recruitment and retention of Welsh international players.’

The £1m (£1.5m) made available is a part of a £2.5m ($3.8m) package to be split between the grassroots, regions and the national team.

Roger Lewis (pictured), CEO of WRU said: “We have identified the priority of keeping Welsh qualified players in Wales and developing them to their full potential.

“Our discussions with the regions are continuing on a range of issues but this is a clear indication that the WRU will engage in a meaningful way within the financial constraints we all know exist.

“This is a one-off amount but the investment is of a scale which can be of true benefit to the game at the professional level.”

Stuart Gallacher, chief executive of Regional Rugby Wales, said he was encouraged by the WRU’s initiative.

“From a Regional Rugby point of view, we remain focused on our original published objectives, including the development of Welsh international players and their retention in Wales,” he said.

“We are of course encouraged to hear of any proposed initiative that may help contribute to that particular goal.

“We have been consistent in our position that we need to work to define long-term structural solutions that can strategically improve the framework of professional rugby in Wales.

“We very much look forward to hearing the details behind the WRU’s announcement and understanding the mechanism by which the proposed one-off action will make a positive and sustainable contribution to our game over time.”