Wales’ Six Nations Test against England will go ahead as scheduled after a potential strike by Welsh players was averted, captain Ken Owens and acting Welsh Rugby Union CEO Nigel Walker announced on Wednesday.

The Cardiff showpiece on Saturday was at risk over a contract dispute, with the WRU facing losses of up to £9 million (R200m) if the game at a packed Principality Stadium did not take place.

All professional players in Wales had been invited to a meeting at Wales’ training base on Wednesday – a deadline set by Welsh players for progress on the matter – to discuss issues with the Professional Rugby Board, which handles contractual issues.

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Many of the players’ existing deals at the four Welsh regional sides expire at the end of the season. A new financial agreement between the four Welsh regions – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – and the WRU had still to be confirmed in writing, further ratcheting up the pressure for strike action.

But Owens, speaking after Wednesday’s talks, said: “The players are satisfied, hence why the game is on on Saturday.”

Nigel Walker, the acting WRU chief executive, speaking alongside Owens, said: “I’m pleased to announce that after extensive conversations and discussions over the last week the Wales-England game will go ahead as scheduled.”

© Agence France-Presse

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