England’s next Six Nations match in doubt as Wales players consider strike action

England's Six Nations match against Wales is now under threat as Welsh players consider strike action due to the contract chaos that has left them uncertain over their futures

England's next Six Nations clash has been plunged into doubt as stricken Wales players consider devastating strike action.

The contract crisis engulfing Wales has hit breaking point amid reports one member of Warren Gatland's side is on antidepressants and missed out on a mortgage due to the ongoing dispute.

Welsh rugby is in further turmoil due to a contract freeze with the under-fire governing body and the four regions, which has left players fearing for their futures.

The WRU, still reeling from allegations of a deep-rooted toxic culture of sexism, is yet to rubber-stamp a new funding deal with the country's regional sides that would lift the freeze.

That has left a host of players uncertain over their immediate futures as they still cannot sign new deals, with the World Cup fast approaching. England's crunch trip to Cardiff in round three of the Six Nations next Saturday is now under-threat with Wales players weighing up an unprecedented strike.

The Daily Mail reports that Gatland's squad and the rest of the professional players in Wales will attend an emergency meeting this week to discuss strike action.

And the contract chaos is said to be proving a huge distraction for Wales players, who have made a dire start to the Six Nations with heavy defeats to Ireland and Scotland. One Welsh star, who has featured in both chastening defeats, told the Mail: "I can’t believe I’m five months away from the end of my contract and eight months away from the World Cup and my future isn’t certain yet.

"I can’t apply for a mortgage and I’m on antidepressants. I’m also one big injury away from not having a job in July yet I’m starting for Wales every week and the WRU is making tens of millions from international matches."

And Wales international Willis Halaho took to to vent his anger at the shocking situation he has been left in. "Must be nice knowing you can still provide for your kids in about five months...," the Cardiff centre said. "Y’all don’t know but I feel the anxiety in the changing room chat with the boys post training."

The four regions: Ospreys, Cardiff, Scarlets and Dragons, are still not close to an agreement with the WRU over alleged fixed variable contracts that would see players split into wage tiers, with most players earning between £30,000 and £100,000-a-year.

It is also claimed by the Mail that Wales players only became aware of the fresh contract proposals on January 23, just days before their Six Nations opener against Ireland.

And player salaries in the new deal are also set to fall, with the highest paid player set to be offered around £280,000 per season, compared to the £400,000 some elite Wales internationals currently earn.

A prominent figure in the Welsh regional game said: "The uncertainty of not knowing if they have a job for next season is having a huge impact on all the players in Wales, not just the national squad. They have had enough. Everything is on the table including strike action."

Mirror Sport has approached the WRU for comment.