Wales head coach Steve Tandy has expressed disappointment after being unable to select Christ Tshiunza for international duty, following the forward's move to Sale Sharks which triggered the Professional Rugby Board's (PRB) controversial 25-cap law.
What happened
Tshiunza, who currently has 15 caps, left Exeter Chiefs to sign for Sale Sharks. Under the PRB's 25-cap law, players who move to clubs outside Wales after receiving a competitive offer from a Welsh region become ineligible for national selection. Tandy confirmed the matter was discussed at PRB level, but the decision stood because Tshiunza received offers from Cardiff and the Ospreys.
"We have been keeping an eye on him but there's been a process and he's been deemed unavailable for us through the 25-cap law," Tandy said. "That's a shame. There's been a process followed so unfortunately Christ will be unavailable to us."
Details and impact
Tshiunza finished the season in outstanding form, helping Exeter Chiefs reach the Gallagher Premiership final. He can play both lock and backrow. Notably, the PRB had previously deemed Saracens prop Rhys Carré eligible for selection despite having only 23 caps, because he did not receive a competitive offer from a Welsh side.
Tshiunza's contract with Sale Sharks is only for one year, meaning he could become eligible for Wales again by signing for a Welsh club ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia. The 25-cap law is widely unpopular with supporters but is designed to ensure the national coach has greater access to players and to keep the four Welsh professional clubs competitive.
Tandy added: "I think you are always disappointed when any player is unavailable for us. We want as many Welsh players available to us as possible but there's also a process we've got to follow... I'm disappointed for Christ but ultimately there are procedures that are put in place that we have to follow."
