The Welsh Rugby Union has performed a dramatic U-turn on its plans to contract all academy staff at Wales' four professional clubs next season. The governing body has deferred the move until at least next season, citing that it is unaffordable this financial year.
Plans halted after recent assurances
Over the last few months, the WRU had been working on enacting a TUPE of academy staff over to the governing body. As recently as last week, the WRU had informed senior figures at the four professional clubs that it intended to press ahead with its plans. However, it has now put the brakes on the proposal.
This decision was shared by the WRU at a Rugby Management Board meeting this week. The move will come as a shock to many academy staff who were expecting to be contracted to the WRU.
Investment and restructuring plans
While the WRU's decision to cut one of Wales' four professional clubs has dominated headlines, it has also pledged to invest £28m over the next five years into the pathway. Currently, the four regions run their own academies, with national age-grade coaches selecting players for higher honours.
The WRU's director of rugby and elite performance, Dave Reddin, wanted to contract all academy staff to the governing body. He also wants to resurrect the National Academy, but that appears to be further down the line given the WRU's financial predicament.
Player development centres and funding gap
The WRU's long-term plan includes establishing 12 Player Development Centres (PDCs) for players aged 14-18, replacing the current five junior academies, before progression to regional centres and, for the very best, a national academy. As part of the WRU's investment into the pathway, more money would be available to retain top talent in Wales.
As things stand, senior academy contracts in Wales are worth around £5,000, and top talent often has to be pushed onto senior contracts. In comparison, Gallagher Prem clubs routinely offer contracts between £18,000-£20,000 for young players, but moves are under way to bridge this gap as part of the new structure. Given that the WRU cannot currently afford to contract all academy staff, questions will be raised over whether they can afford to proceed with their plans.
