The Welsh Rugby Union has issued the following statement to clarify its current policy relating to the payment of players in the community game in Wales.
“The WRU acknowledges that under the IRB Regulations all clubs may pay players for their services.
“In the appropriate circumstances the WRU believes that payment of players is a legitimate function that can enhance the standards of play and serves to keep the very best players playing rugby in Wales for those clubs operating at semi- professional and professional levels.
“However, the WRU does not believe that the payment of players is necessary for clubs below this level. Furthermore it is actively considering measures to discourage this practice.
“The WRU therefore urges all clubs below Premiership to operate on a strictly amateur basis, as it firmly believes that such an approach offers long-term sustainability for clubs in Wales. The only exception to this situation would be in the case of a club that has been granted an ‘A’ Licence by the WRU and which is capable of challenging for inclusion in the Premiership.”