Welsh Star Releases Statement on Difficult Time, Warns of Continued Exodus

Wales fly-half, Sam Davies, believes there may be a larger exodus of Welsh rugby players next season, following the departure of players such as Liam Williams, Rhys Webb and Will Rowlands. As the regions’ playing budgets are dropping to £5.2 million and then £4.5 million for 2024-25, Davies anticipates that this will lead to more players being out of work and considering moving overseas. With the downfall of London Irish, Worcester and Wasps, adding to the already clustered market, Davies believes that the rugby industry in Wales is facing worrying times. Wales and Lions full-back, Liam Williams, released a statement on social media after leaving Cardiff to join Japan’s Kubota Spears, saying he had made some fantastic memories in Welsh rugby, despite the challenging few months. Cardiff will play Toulouse, Harlequins, Bath, Racing 92 and Ulster in the Champions Cup, while the Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons will compete in the Challenge Cup. Junior All Blacks full-back, 20-year-old Harry Godfrey, a member of the New Zealand U20s, will be facing Wales in their World Rugby U20 Championship opener.