Wales is gearing up for a crucial showdown with England that could have a significant financial impact on the Welsh Rugby Union. As reported by Wales Online, the upcoming match between Wales and England is not just a battle for pride and points, but also a contest with potentially unprecedented outcomes.
The match between Wales and England is not just any ordinary fixture; it’s being dubbed as a £1 million match. The financial stakes are high, with significant prize money on the line depending on the outcome of the game. Wales won’t just be aiming to avoid the Wooden Spoon in their Six Nations finale against England; they’ll be fighting for a hefty slice of the prize money too.
If Wales were to finish bottom of the Six Nations table, it would mark the first time ever that Wales have lost every game in consecutive Six or Five Nations tournaments. The pressure is on for Wales to secure a victory over England to avoid such an undesirable outcome. The introduction of the bonus points system in 2017 has added an extra layer of complexity to the tournament standings, making it possible for the team finishing last to have won a game while the fifth-placed team remains winless.
The permutations for Wales to avoid the Wooden Spoon are clear. If Wales beat England and Italy lose to Ireland, Wales will secure a higher position in the table. On the other hand, if Wales draw and Italy fail to earn more than one match point, the Azzurri will claim the Wooden Spoon. The financial implications for the Welsh Rugby Union and its professional clubs – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets – are significant, with approximately £1.5 million at stake for finishing fifth and avoiding the Wooden Spoon.
The Six Nations title race is also heating up, with France, England, Ireland, and Scotland all in contention. France can secure the title by beating Scotland with a try bonus point. England will need to overcome an 86-point difference with France if they win without a bonus point. Ireland must beat Italy and rely on other results going their way to clinch the title, while Scotland have a long-shot scenario that could see them emerge as surprise champions.
Avoiding the Wooden Spoon has become a top priority for Wales, not only for pride but also for financial stability. With over £500,000 at stake for finishing above Italy and securing a higher position in the Six Nations table, the pressure is on for Wales to deliver a strong performance against England. The outcome of the Wales vs. England match could have far-reaching consequences for the Welsh Rugby Union and the professional clubs in Wales, making it a must-watch fixture for rugby fans everywhere.