Welsh internationals strike action?

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   Am treating this with some scepticism, esp as it's based on a Daily Mail story, but still... (below from Telegraph)

Wales v England in doubt after Warren Gatland’s players consider strike action

Wales players reportedly using anti-depressants, have missed mortgage repayments and are considering taking strike action mid-tournament

By
Charles Richardson,
 RUGBY REPORTER
14 February 2023 • 7:18pm

England's next Six Nations match has been plunged into doubt after reports emerged that Wales's players were considering strike action over their stalling contract renewals.

Steve Borthwick's side travel to Cardiff next Saturday for their third Six Nations match, but with Wales' players reportedly turning to antidepressants and missing out on mortgage offers due to the dispute, the third-round fixture is seemingly under threat.

The Welsh Rugby Union, which is in the midst of one of its most turbulent periods in its history, has been discussing a new budgetary deal with the country's four regions, but an agreement is yet to be reached. That has left a huge number of players unsure of their immediate futures, unable to sign new deals with the World Cup looming - and in the middle of a testing Six Nations period for Warren Gatland's side.

According to reports, Gatland's squad - who are winless so far in the Six Nations - and the rest of Wales' professional players will meet this week to discuss possible strike action.

A player who has featured in both of Wales' matches in the Six Nations told the Daily Mail: "I can’t believe I’m five months away from the end of my contract and eight months away from the World Cup and my future isn’t certain yet."

"I can’t apply for a mortgage and I’m on antidepressants. I’m also one big injury away from not having a job in July yet I’m starting for Wales every week and the WRU is making tens of millions from international matches."

Writing on Twitter, Wales internationals Willis Halaholo and Sam Cross expressed their dismay at the situation. "Must be nice knowing you can still provide for your kids in about four months…," wrote the five-times-capped centre. "Just speaking up on behalf of the regular club players that have the most uncertainty. Y’all don’t know but I feel the anxiety in the changing room chat with the boys post training."

Cross's frustrations centre on alleged fixed variable contracts that have formed part of the negotiations - which, according to reports, are not close to agreement - between the WRU and the four regions: Ospreys, Scarlets, Dragons and Cardiff. Players would reportedly be banded into wage tiers, with the majority earning between £30,000 and £100,000-a-year which could be topped up with bonuses.

It has been reported that Wales’ players were only made aware of the proposals on Jan 23, ahead of their Six Nations opener with Ireland.

A prominent figure in the Welsh regional game told the Mail: "The uncertainty of not knowing if they have a job for next season is having a huge impact on all the players in Wales, not just the national squad.

"They have had enough. Everything is on the table, including possible strike action."

The news comes at a time of consecutive crises at the WRU. At the end of January, Steve Phillips resigned as chief executive with Nigel Walker taking interim charge. Those changes came after a week in which the WRU had to answer questions about a toxic, misogynistic culture within its organisation. Chairman and Wales legend Ieuan Evans remains in post and has committed to an external investigation into the claims.

A week after those claims came to light in a BBC investigation, Telegraph Sport revealed how the WRU had banned 'Delilah' from being sung by choirs at international matches at the Principality Stadium ahead of the Six Nations.

Telegraph Sport has approached the WRU for comment.