Dewi Lake Advocates for Reform of Welsh Rugby’s Overseas Rule

Welsh rugby stalwart Dewi Lake has sparked discussions regarding the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) overseas player rule, proposing a significant change that emphasizes a player’s service to Welsh rugby based on time spent with a region rather than international caps.

Currently, the WRU’s regulation stipulates that any capped player with fewer than 25 international caps cannot play outside of Wales while representing the national team. However, Lake, the co-captain of Wales’ World Cup squad, believes this criterion does not accurately reflect a player’s contribution to Welsh rugby.

In a recent episode of the Sportin Wales podcast, Lake highlighted the case of Josh Turnbull, the seasoned back row forward from Cardiff, who boasts a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades with Llanelli and Cardiff. Despite amassing 13 caps for Wales, Turnbull falls short of the 25-cap threshold and would face restrictions if he were to pursue opportunities abroad.

“I think it’s in place for time served in Welsh rugby,” remarked Lake, who currently represents Ospreys at hooker position. “Where you’ve come through an academy, where coaches have put a lot of time into you, and then leave and then leave without giving it back to that club.”

Lake proposed an alternative criterion that emphasizes a player’s commitment and contribution to Welsh rugby, suggesting that time spent in Welsh regions or the number of appearances for a club should be considered. He argued that some players may never attain international caps but remain integral to the fabric of Welsh rugby.

“Look at Turnbull,” Lake emphasized. “He’s not got 25 caps, but he’s got 250 URC appearances, or something like that. And are you going to say he’s not got time served in Welsh rugby?”

The Welsh hooker expressed concerns that the current overseas rule restricts opportunities for players to explore options outside Wales and potentially hinders the national team’s access to its best talent pool. He urged a reconsideration of the policy to ensure that Welsh rugby remains competitive and adaptable in a global landscape.

“Sometimes it hinders the national team,” Lake lamented. “You’d think as a national team you’d want your best players all the time, and sometimes they’re not available to you because of a rule you’ve got in place.”

Lake’s advocacy for reform signals a broader conversation within Welsh rugby circles about the balance between player mobility, loyalty, and the national team’s competitiveness. As discussions evolve, the Welsh rugby community will likely explore avenues to modernize regulations while honoring the contributions of players like Josh Turnbull who have dedicated themselves to the Welsh game.