Should the Welsh stay in Wales?

Tuesday 1 December 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
International Rugby > Wales

The issue of whether Welsh international stars should play in Wales has provoked debate among fans.

Posters on the GwladRugby forum have been arguing over whether it is better to have men playing with teams in their home nation, or plying their trade elsewhere.

It comes after the issue of Dwayne Peel's availability came up once again during the autumn internationals, with the scrum-half not having to be released to the Welsh Rugby Union by Sale Sharks for the first Test as it fell outside the IRB window.

According to bairdy, it is best for the national side if squad members are playing in the "most competitive environment that they can".

But norm suggested that the focus should be on improving the game in Wales, particularly if attendances are to increase as a result.

Besides, he observed that three of the last four Heineken Cup winners have been Magners League teams, so quality of play is not necessarily higher in England or France.