Rugby Union News: Gatland Laments Wales’ Disadvantage Due to 25-Cap Rule
Wales national rugby union team head coach Warren Gatland has expressed his concerns over the 25-cap rule, which he believes puts the national team at a disadvantage. The policy, introduced as part of the negotiations between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and the players in February 2023, has helped retain talent like Mason Grady, Rio Dyer, and Teddy Williams at professional clubs in Wales.
However, with experienced fly-half Joe Hawkins currently ineligible for selection due to the rule, Gatland believes the national team is being “punished” for the financial difficulties facing the union and the regional teams. “We all – the union and the regions – are finding it difficult financially and there’s only one team being punished for that rule and that’s us,” Gatland said.
“We all – the union and the regions – are finding it difficult financially and there’s only one team being punished for that rule and that’s us.”
The decision to lower the required caps from 60 to 25 was made during a time when the national squad was considering going on strike for the Six Nations home match against England, a threat that was eventually averted. Gatland acknowledged that the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), comprising representatives from the WRU and the regions, would have to grant Hawkins a special dispensation or scrap the rule entirely for the player to be available for selection.
Gatland jokingly suggested that “maybe the players can go on strike again!” to prompt a change in the 25-cap rule, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. As the WRU prepares to launch a new strategy later this year, this debate is likely to continue, with Gatland and the national team hoping to have access to their best players, including the talented Hawkins.
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