WRU management and the players, through their elected representatives Richard Harry and Scott Quinnell, have been in consultation since 12 May.
And there is now a firm payment structure in place to cover Wales’ tour of Australia, the Summer Tests at home, the Rugby World Cup 2003 and the Royal Bank of Scotland Six Nations tournament 2003.
‘This is the first time the Welsh Rugby Union have had a dedicated manager involved in player negotiations as well as the first time the players have had their own representative,’ said Mr Lewis.
‘We are pleased that these negotiations have been conducted in the correct way and whilst, as with all discussion of this nature, there have been disagreements, both parties are now satisfied that we have a structure in place for the next 12 months.
‘Now the players and the Union can look forward to a period of stability that we have previously not been used to, and everyone involved can take heart from that.’
Coach Steve Hansen is in constant contact with the WRU from New Zealand, where Wales are on tour.
‘The players and management team in New Zealand are getting on with what they do best and preparing themselves for two big Tests, against Australia and the All Blacks,’ added Lewis.
‘We’ve spoken to them this morning, training is going well and the whole squad are united in their goal to build a team their country can be proud of over the next year of international rugby.’
The basic payment structure agreed for the next 12 months is as follows:
Australia and New Zealand tour: A tour fee, match fees and win bonuses.
Summer Tests: Match fees, win bonuses and a minimum fee for players in the 30-man squad who don’t take the field.
World Cup: Tour fee, match fees, a tournament placement bonus based on where Wales finish in the competition and a minimum fee for all squad members.
2004 Six Nations: Match fees, a tournament placement bonus based on where Wales finish in the competition and a minimum fee for all squad members.
Please also note, full insurance cover has been in place since the start of negotiations.
