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Netflix Have Been Caught In The Crossfire Of Welsh Contract Dispute

Netflix Have Been Caught In The Crossfire Of Welsh Contract Dispute
Gary Connaughton
By Gary Connaughton
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It will be interesting to see how rugby's equivalent to Drive To Survive works out.

Various sports have attempted to recreate the magic of the Formula 1 docuseries, hoping to bring a new generation of fans to their code. Rugby is the latest example, with the streaming giant set to be given unprecedented access to teams in this year's Six Nations.

The move has split opinion. While fans are excited about the final product and others have an eye on the potential commercial revenue it could bring in, many of the coaches and players that will ultimately dictate the direction of the show have been more hesitant.

The success of series will depend on the characters and storylines that develop over the course of the tournament. It is the personalities of the drivers and team principals that made Drive To Survive, something that rugby will be hoping to replicate.

One of the more intriguing potential storylines was the one developing around the Welsh team and their potential for strike action. Their players are currently in a dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union over contracts, something that is sure to have resulted in plenty of friction behind the scenes.

However, it seems we should not be expecting much conversation on this subject to feature in the show.

Wales block Netflix recording amid contract dispute

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The Welsh players have openly admitted that they are considering strike action ahead of their game against England next week.

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This has all come about as a result of the Welsh Rugby Union claiming they are unable to enter contract negotiations with players before the end of the season, as a result of uncertainty over budgets relating to the regional teams. This has left a huge number of players in limbo as they seek some certainty in relation to their future.

As a result, they have been less than forthcoming on some aspects of their media duties.

The Daily Mail are reporting that Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones refused to allow Netflix to film the team's crisis press conference yesterday, despite seven other broadcasters being allowed to film it.

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It is believed that the Wales team have refused to allow the Netflix cameras to attend any team functions until the issues with the contract issues have been resolved. In fact, it is believed that the squad have not engaged in the show in any way in recent times.

After making his way to the press conference room yesterday, Wyn Jones refused to take his seat until the crew from the streaming service left the venue. He would go on to confirm that the players are considering strike action in order to put pressure on the authorities to resolve their current issues.

With a resolution seemingly some way off, we could be seeing very little of Wales in the documentary when it is released in the months ahead.

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SEE ALSO: Former Ireland Rugby Star David Humphreys Randomly Lands Top English Sports Job

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