Advertisement
Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau.
Club v Country

Bath fined for releasing Faletau to play for Wales

The Premiership side want a rule change.

BATH HAVE BEEN fined £60,000 by Premiership Rugby for releasing Taulupe Faletau to play for Wales against South Africa this month.

Faletau was allowed to feature in a 24-22 victory over the Springboks at the Principality Stadium on 2 December despite the Test falling outside World Rugby’s international window.

Bath had been aware that sanctions could be imposed for giving the number eight the green light to line up for his country.

The Premiership club on Wednesday confirmed they have been slapped with a fine and called for a change of regulations.

Bath chief executive Tarquin McDonald said: “We understand Premiership Rugby’s position on this, and have subsequently worked proactively with them to swiftly achieve a fair resolution.

“We believed this situation would change, that has not yet happened and we have therefore come to an appropriate settlement with Premiership Rugby.

“However, we continue to believe that there is appetite for change and that this ongoing conflict between the club and international calendars is not good for players, clubs or unions.

“We continue to support the objective of a solution for the separation of club and international calendars in a way which benefits players, clubs and unions, and brings an end to situations such as this.”

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):

France sack head coach Guy Noves as Jacques Brunel takes charge weeks ahead of 6 Nations

Your Voice
Readers Comments
8
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel