Nations Championship: Wales disrupted by clash with WRU ahead of Fiji opener

Further negotiations took place before a deal was struck shortly before 17:00 BST, with the players seen leaving a meeting at the Vail Resorts headquarters just outside Cardiff.

“Media access has been suspended today due to ongoing negotiations between WRU representatives and the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association over recruitment 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.

“Training preparation for the upcoming match against Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium has not been affected. All involved look forward to a positive result on Saturday and a successful campaign.”

The training schedule may not be affected but it’s another story for a group of players who have been depleted by off-field issues in recent years.

There was strike action Averted briefly On the eve of a home fixture against England in the 2023 Six Nations.

Tandy’s reign has also been affected by the uncertainty caused by the WRU’s proposal to reduce the number of men’s professional teams from four to three. A plan seeks to implement this by 2028.

The coaching staff and squad members were at the Vail resort on Wednesday and Thursday is not scheduled as a training day ahead of their opening match.

The head coach, who trimmed his squad to 33 for the summer Tests on Tuesday, is scheduled to name his squad to face Fiji on Thursday morning before facing the media.

The captain’s run as the squad go through their final preparations at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday ahead of Saturday’s game.

After the opener, an away Test against Argentina in San Juan and a Test against South Africa in Durban head into the Wales matches. Won an uncapped match against the Barbarians At Allianz Stadium.