Anscombe warns of potential Wales exodus

Gareth Anscombe has warned members of the Grand-Slam winning squad could turn their back on Wales amid uncertainty over regional rugby.

Warren Gatland’s side pulled off a Six Nations clean sweep despite an untimely domestic dispute.

A merger between the Ospreys and the Scarlets was on and then off as talks between the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions over restructuring continue.

Players who have won less than 60 caps are ineligible to play for Wales if they ply their trade for clubs outside of the country and fly-half Anscombe said there could be an exodus unless issues are resolved.

“Players have been let down a fair bit certainly when you look at the results we have provided them. We all want to play for Wales – there’s no doubt about that – but players need to be treated well and we deserve to be,” said the Cardiff Blues man.

“I think it’s made all the boys think about that, to be honest. We’ve got only a 10-year window to really look after ourselves, and I guess the important thing is you don’t want to look back with any regrets.

“There’s a fair bit going on behind the scenes which needs to get sorted. I’d love to keep playing for Wales but we’ve got to work out a few things, for sure.

“I think we’ve given the union something to be pretty proud about and hopefully the union and the regions can come together and sort out the best deals for the players, because that is important.”

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