Bedwas RFC has threatened to take legal action against one of its own players over a contractual dispute.
The club believes that utility-back Harley Thomson is contracted for another year, but the player understands he is free to move to Bedwas’ Premiership rivals Merthyr, with whom he has been negotiating terms.
The club stressed their issue was with the player, not Merthyr, who they say discussions with have been “cordial and productive”.
Bedwas’ Director of Rugby, Mark Lewis, said: “It appears that Merthyr have been told that Mr Thomson was free to play for them. This is not correct as he is contracted to us, having played for Bedwas against Llandovery RFC as recently as October 1.
“We need to have further urgent discussions with Mr Thomson in order to determine his playing future and how he intends to compensate us for this apparent breach of contract.
Mr Lewis also said: “It is vital that the WRU takes a proactive role in ensuring that players and clubs are all acting in good faith regarding player contracts. The Principality Premiership has undergone a lot of upheaval this season and this issue is a distraction for all involved.”
Bedwas also called on the Welsh Rugby Union to act urgently in order to protect player contract integrity in Premiership.