Fifteen of Wales' nearly 300 community rugby clubs did not sign the Welsh Rugby Union’s ‘statement of integrity’ last season, allowing them to openly pay players during the 2025/26 season, WalesOnline can reveal.
Clubs forfeit funding to pay players
All the other clubs signed a document declaring they did not pay players and were therefore awarded thousands of pounds in grant money from the WRU. Clubs who sign the statement and are then found to be paying players are subject to serious sanctions, with the Union previously warning they could face action from HMRC.
Clubs have until August 30 this month to make their declaration ahead of the new season. Those who choose not to sign are free to pay players without punishment but will not receive the full guaranteed £4,000 of WRU funding each club is entitled to if they sign the statement of integrity.
The 15 clubs that did not sign
The 15 clubs who did not sign the WRU's statement of integrity for the 2025/26 season and could pay players within the rules were: Bargoed RFC, Bedwas RFC, Blaenavon RFC, Brecon RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Glamorgan Wanderers RFC, Hafodyrynys RFC, Llanelli Wanderers RFC, Merthyr RFC, Narberth RFC, Neath RFC, Newbridge RFC, Pontypridd RFC, TATA Steel RFC and Ystrad Rhondda RFC.
Payments to players in the community game has long been a source of debate and controversy. The union and clubs are all struggling for money, with funding far better being spent on improving facilities than paying amateur players on a Saturday afternoon.
Open secret in community game
Despite payment to players clearly breaking the rules for those who do not declare it, it is an open secret that this happens at lots of clubs throughout the country. The community game is awash with stories of clubs taking the full WRU funding and paying players quietly, but cracking down on the practice and acquiring definitive evidence has proved difficult.
“The WRU financially supports community clubs through our investment model, which rewards the important work they do both on and off the field," said WRU community director Geraint John. "That investment is designed to help clubs build sustainable environments for players, volunteers and their local communities, and it is not intended to fund the payment of players."
"We are aware that some clubs choose to pay players, which is why we ask clubs to sign an annual statement of integrity confirming they do not do so before we allocate funding."
"Clubs that choose not to sign receive a reduced level of funding, reflecting their decision to operate outside this element of the model."
"Many of our community clubs are facing challenges to remain financially sustainable, which is why we continue to encourage clubs not to pay players."
"Paying players can create unintended consequences, including drawing players away from neighbouring clubs and creating unnecessary tensions within local communities."
"We want our investment to support the long-term sustainability of the community game across all of the country. Where concerns are raised, we will investigate them, with any investigation needing to be being evidence-led."
