DRAGONS winger Ashton Hewitt says the Welsh clubs could go on strike for the return of the United Rugby Championship.

The Wales squad have set a Wednesday deadline for a resolution to the contract chaos that has engulfed the professional game, with Saturday’s Six Nations game against England at risk.

There is recruitment freeze while a new funding arrangement is sorted out between the Dragons, Ospreys, Cardiff, Scarlets and the Welsh Rugby Union.

There are three main sticking points – the end of the 60-cap rule, giving the players a voice on the Professional Game Board that runs the sport at the top level and proposed variable contracts.

More than 70 players are entering the final months of their deals but have no job security despite putting their bodies on the line.

South Wales Argus: HELPED: Dragons centre Jack Dixon was injured against LeinsterHELPED: Dragons centre Jack Dixon was injured against Leinster (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Dragons centre Jack Dixon was helped from the field at Leinster on Saturday just days after expressing those fears, a situation that has brought the squad even tighter at Rodney Parade.

The URC is on another break for the Six Nations but returns next weekend with the Dragons hosting Connacht in their final Rodney Parade game of the season.

Hewitt, chairman of the Welsh Rugby Players Association, told BBC Wales that "striking for every player in Wales" is a possibility.

It looks like a change to the 60-cap rule and power for players on the PRB is on the cards but a sticking point remains the variable contracts, with only 80 per cent of salaries guaranteed under the proposal with the rest down to bonuses.

"The little bit more detail that's come through, players aren't happy with it,” said Hewitt.

“I think it's something players want real consultation on, and a real understanding of, to be told how they got to the numbers they've been getting to and why certain elements exist - and that's what players deserve.”

Hewitt is out of contract himself and the winger, who has returned this season after rupturing knee ligaments in April 2021, admits the situation is taking its toll.

He said: "The fear has got to tipping point. There is a feeling of, how much worse can things get?

"Uncertainty over your work is stressful irrespective of whether it is rugby or not. We have responsibilities.

"Earning a contract is stressful at the best of times, but this just intensifies it… not knowing if you'll be able to support your family or get a mortgage.

"The pressure is extremely heightened, it's extremely difficult, because we know everything could fall apart quite quickly. This impacts club players the most, because options are quite limited."

"I can't remember the last time I just concentrated on rugby. I think about Project Reset, the Covid cuts, and everything else, all the drama in Welsh rugby over the years, the boys just want to concentrate on rugby,” he continued.