Bristol offer massive contract to Grand Slam flyhalf - reports

The Bristol Bears have reportedly thrown the cheque book at Wales and Cardiff Blues start Gareth Anscombe according to a report in the Rugby Paper.

The Bears, who already have the highest paid player on their books in Charles Piutua, have offered Anscombe a massive £500K contract to make the switch to the Premiership.

The move could put his World Cup ambitions in jeopardy due to Wales' 60 cap rule on overseas-based players.

Anscombe has been vocal about the wages paid to Welsh players following their Grand Slam saying: 

“We all want to play for Wales, there is no doubt about that, but players need to be treated well and we deserve to be,” said Anscombe. 

 “We’re a world class team. We are doing a hell of a lot for the country, so we should be looked after. 

“I’d love to keep playing for Wales, but we’ve got to work out a few things for sure.” 

When asked if the situation has made him consider seeking employment in England, he said: “I think it has made all the boys think about that to be honest. 

“We’ve only got a 10-year window to really look after ourselves and I guess the important thing is you don’t want to look back with any regrets.”

Despite his comments, Cardiff Blues coach John Mulvihill said he was confident that he would stay in Cardiff.

"Hopefully we are getting closer," said the Blues coach. "There are a few contractual issues we are trying to work through to make a final offer to Gareth that I think shows his worth in the game in Wales.

"He can get a lot more money playing overseas, but he doesn't want to do that.

"He wants to play for Wales, he wants to go to the World Cup and I think deep down in his heart he wants to be at Cardiff Blues with all his mates here.

"We are just working through that and hopefully we can get something done in the next few weeks.

"I want him to stay here and hopefully sooner or later we can sort it out."