Colin Charvis has come out in defence of players choosing to play their rugby away from Wales. Hardly a surprise, given he played rugby in both England and France himself.
He reckons the players deserve to get the money where they can, that getting the best livelihood is well within their rights (no arguments here). He also feels it could improve them as players.
Charvis also suggests the WRU should be involved, working with the regions to keep the Welsh players within Wales. Afte recent comments by Paul Tito, and the ongoing WRU review into finance and the regions, is words come as a timely reminder of how important it is for Welsh rugby to work together.
“The worry of people going for the Euro rather than the pound has been around for over a decade,” Charvis told ESPNScrum.
“It’s no new revelation and it’s a problem for England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. What they have to do is remain within their budgets and what they can afford as regions and retain their best players here in Wales.
“But people like Stephen Jones went away to Clermont and came back a better player as did Gareth Thomas so in that respect – a jaunt overseas can work. It’s not necessary doom and gloom.
“These players have to consider their own livelihood. If they have an opportunity to make some money then they should not be criticised – they are retired for a very long time so you can’t deny them a chance to provide for their families.”
“The main thing to do is to encourage the regions to work with the union to keep the players in Wales but we cannot deny them the opportunities.”
He also saves a word of warning against having a policy not to select overseas players
It is down to the WRU and the coach concerning policies on players and if you’re too strict then you may have an injury crisis and be desperate and if you’re too lax then you may have a mass exodus of players,” said the 39-year-old.
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