The Welsh Rugby Union have withdrawn their offer of a contract offer to Scarlets centre Scott Williams after it emerged his club had become embroiled in a bidding war with regional rivals Ospreys.
The Wales star had appeared likely to extend his deal with the union at Parc y Scarlets – having initially signed an 18-month dual contract last March.
But WalesOnline revealed that the WRU, with the backing of head coach Warren Gatland, ended negotiations after not being informed of the two regions’ improved offers to the player.
It is believed the Ospreys offered the centre a deal exclusively with them worth approximately £80,000 more than the dual contract.
Facing the prospect of losing a key player to a rival, the Scarlets matched the offer as they look to secure the future of one talisman having just lured another, Jonathan Davies, back to west Wales from Clermont.
But it would appear that the WRU did not take kindly to being left out of the loop in negotiations and have decided against attempting to match the regions’ offers, afraid of the precedent it could set.
Therefore, it leaves Williams future very much unclear – having appeared straightforward a week ago.
Tricky situation regarding Scott Williams.
Hope it’s resolved. Sharpish.
— @thepaulwilliams
In addition to interest from the Scarlets and Ospreys, there will no doubt be suitors from further afield with a number of English and French clubs likely to be sniffing about.
The whole debacle will come as a blow to the WRU, who have worked hard with regions to ensure the best Welsh players stay in Wales.
