Warren Gatland blocks Taulupe Faletau move from Newport Gwent

Taulupe Faletau's proposed exit from Newport Gwent Dragons has been blocked by Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

The Wales No 8 has been linked with a number of English clubs, with Bath the favourites to sign the 24-year-old, but Gatland has reiterated his commitment to upholding the restrictions imposed by the Rugby Services Agreement (RSA) in limiting the number of Wales players selected from outside the country in the future.

Gatland has previously spoken of his disappointment that Faletau did not sign a National Dual Contract last season, with the Dragons eager to cash in on the player before he becomes a free agent next summer.

The World Cup star will not play for the club against Llanelli on Friday as his future remains unclear, with the club holding a news conference at midday on Wednesday.

Dragons chief executive Stuart Davies said: "This has been a difficult and sensitive rugby matter, in which the needs and wishes of a player, a region, the wider game in Wales and the national side have all been part of a rather challenging conundrum.

"At the heart of it of course is Taulupe, who has been loyal to and is very happy at the Dragons. Having become aware however of possible interest in him from an English club, he formally requested permission to speak to them, which we granted, with a view to establishing what was best for the player and indeed the region.

"There then followed a significant period of discussion and negotiation, during which we adhered to the provisions of the RSA. For this particular scenario, release of Taulupe from his contract would have required the National Head Coach's permission, and the 'wildcard' provision within the WRU Senior Selection Policy was an important factor in this regard. 

"As such, upon Rhys Priestland's reported break from international rugby, the matter was revisited.

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"It was always going to be painful to lose Taulupe, given what we're trying to build here at the Dragons, but our decision to pursue the transfer option was a very measured one, having regard to a number of considerations. 

"Whilst we fully respect the aspirations of the RSA, naturally it is disappointing on this occasion that we have not been able to act independently in the best interests of the region, or to receive the required support in achieving our preferred outcome."

In a statement released by the WRU, chief executive Martyn Phillips said: "We stand alongside the Regions in our commitment to try to keep the best Welsh qualified players here in Wales where they can compete for international honours.

"We want the best players in Wales as role models for youngsters, making sure the Regions are as competitive as possible and making sure the coaches are working with the finest talent.

"We fully understand that the Newport Gwent Dragons have acted entirely properly in this matter, but we have a duty to act in the way we feel is in the best interests of the whole of professional rugby and the international game in Wales.

"Although there are circumstances under which moves out of Wales by experienced players can be sanctioned, Taulupe's status as a player and importance as a role model means we would like him to be playing his rugby here.

"Clearly it is vitally important that we are all mindful of the need to respect and protect Taulupe himself throughout this extremely sensitive and delicate discussion. His welfare is paramount.

"Taulupe is under contract until the end of the current season and we do not believe it is in any of our interests to withdraw from that agreement.

"He is a 24-year-old with a lot more to offer Wales and our desire now is to keep him under the umbrella of our systems and structures to ensure he has the best opportunity to achieve his full potential.

"I want Taulupe to know we have his and the interests of all our players at the heart of all our decision making."