17 February 2023 , 23:25
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Jack Dixon looked to have the rugby world at his feet when he burst onto the scene as a 16-year old.
The youngest player to make a Welsh regional appearance in 2011, the youngest of all at the Junior World Cup the following year.
He would have been forgiven for thinking he had drawn the golden ticket; that professional rugby would offer him a decent lifestyle and job security.
On the eve of today’s game at Leinster in the United Rugby Championship, the Dragons centre painted an altogether different picture.
“I have a two-year-old son in the house, my wife is pregnant with another baby expected towards the end of this year, and I don’t know if I have got income coming in June, July and next year yet,” he revealed.
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“Nothing has been said. The uncertainty to us as human beings is appalling.”
Dixon in Dragons action against Ospreys in October (Getty Images)Dixon, now 28, is one of an estimated 70 to 100 Welsh professional players out of contract at the end of the season.
A new six-year financial agreement between the Welsh Rugby Union and Wales’ four professional regions was verbally agreed in December but two months on has yet to be signed. In this vacuum, uncertainty reigns.
On Wednesday it will come to a head when the players vote on whether or not to strike. At risk is the Wales-England Six Nations clash a week today.
Wales players at Murrayfield ahead of their heavy loss to Scotland“Players have had enough,” a spokesperson for the Welsh Rugby Players Association said. “This is not a game of ‘Championship Manager’.”
With his second child due in August and his contract ending three months before that, Dixon can't be sure if he is coming or going.
“When you take the field you try to park it as best you can,” he said. “But subconsciously, you are one big injury from being thrown out the door, to put it frankly.”
Wales boss Warren Gatland (Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)The Dragons have made him a verbal contract offer and coach Dai Flanagan has vowed the club will honour it.
“But, like in any industry,” said Dixon. “Until something is set in stone and signed on the dotted line, it doesn’t mean anything.
“I'm not naive in rugby any more. Until it is signed, sealed and delivered I will take it [a verbal offer] for what it is.
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Kyle Steyn scores his second try during Scotland's win over Wales (PA)“I've seen it all happen before with past team-mates, it's a rollercoaster and you have to hold on. At the minute we are just holding on until we get answers.”
The same is true for players at Cardiff and Scarlets who will dutifully turn out today in home URC fixtures against Benetton and Edinburgh respectively.
The WRU is led by good rugby men in Ieuan Evans and Nigel Walker, beloved Wales wings of yesteryear.
But they face a test every bit as challenging as any they met on the field; one the future of Welsh rugby is resting on.