'Wales prep not affected'

The Wales squad’s preparations for the Nations Championship has not been affected by a dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) over match fees.

They avoided a strike as they resolved the issue over match fees ahead of their Nations Championship opener against the Flying Fijians on Sunday (Fiji time).

According to AFP talks were held between Welsh rugby’s governing body and the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association (WRPA) over “employment terms” and an agreement was reached yesterday to ensure the Fiji game will go ahead.

“Training preparations for the upcoming match against Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium have not been affected. Everyone involved is looking forward to a positive result on Saturday and a successful campaign,” a WRU statement said.

“Media access was postponed due to ongoing negotiations between WRU representatives and the WRPA around employment terms for the new Nations Championship competition,” read a joint statement between the WRU and WRPA.

“These negotiations have now been concluded to the satisfaction of all parties.”

Wales were due to have a press conference on Wednesday featuring two players to preview Saturday’s opener at Cardiff City Stadium.

After a delay of more than an hour, the playing squad opted not to fulfil that appointment because of the dispute with the WRU, and it was cancelled along with interviews with broadcaster S4C.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj