🚨 Big News in Welsh Rugby! 🚨
Wales’ controversial 25-cap rule is teetering on the edge of extinction. Originally introduced to keep our talented players on home soil, it’s now seen more as a burden than a blessing. Even former coach Warren Gatland couldn’t stand it, famously saying, “There’s only one team being punished for that rule, and that’s us.”
The rule was already hanging by a thread after being reduced from 60 to 25 caps two years ago, thanks to pressure from the players themselves. Yet, despite its aim to strengthen the national team, fans and players alike have found it increasingly unworkable.
Why the fuss? Well, players were told they couldn’t play outside of Wales and still represent their country unless they hit that 25-cap mark. But loopholes have turned this into more of a suggestion than a rule. Take Jarrod Evans and Rhys Carre – both have found their way back to the Wales squad despite the restrictions.
And what about those valuable weeks of training lost when players return to their English or French clubs due to release rules? Yep, that’s another side-effect of this faltering law.
At last year’s WRU AGM, there was almost as much applause for binning the 25-cap rule as there was for getting rid of Gatland himself. And let’s be honest, clarity in Welsh rugby is much needed. Between the uncertain future of our regional clubs and new threats like R360, the landscape is anything but clear.
So don’t be surprised if the 25-cap rule is officially retired soon – it seems no one is left to defend it. Only time will tell if Welsh rugby finds a better way forward, but for now, the consensus seems to be: good riddance! 🏉
Stay tuned for more updates as this unfolds – Welsh rugby is certainly never boring! 🏴☠️👏