Chief Executive of the Newport Gwent Dragons, Stuart Davies, has contacted the heads of the WRU looking for permission to sell Taulupe Faletau (Wales Online).
The Wales number eight seems set to leave his home region after talks regarding his future broke down following he failed to respond to the WRU’s offer of a National Dual Contract.
Due to the signing of the Rugby Services Agreement by the WRU and Welsh regions last year, the Dragons require approval from Wales head coach Warren Gatland to release Faletau to a club outside Wales.
The 24-year-old has been linked to Aviva Premiership team, Bath, who already tried to sign him in July. Northampton are also in the market for a new number eight after the loss of USA player, Samu Manoa.
The rumored transfer fee the Dragons will request is in the range of £150,000, as they will face losing him for nothing should he leave when his contract expires.
If the move goes ahead, it may create problems for Wales under “Gatland’s Law”. The coach clarified in his pre-World Cup briefing that, after the tournament, he would only select two “wildcards”, increasing to three next year, for his national team.
With players such as Jamie Roberts and Rhys Priestland already playing outside the regions, some tough decisions may lie in future selections.
However, the powerful back-rower is likely to keep his spot in the team after some outstanding performances at the World Cup.
Gatland may find his own law working against him though, should more of Wales’ key players decide to pursue their careers in England, France or further abroad.
Fortunately, the Dragons will not be stuck for a replacement number eight with new signing from Wasps, Ed Jackson, Kiwi player Nick Crosswell and promising Welsh talent, Lewis Evans all vying for a starting spot.
