WRU blocks Faletau move

Newport Gwent Dragons have been denied permission by the WRU to sell star number eight Taulupe Faletau.

Warren Gatland rejected the region's proposal, with Faletau having been heavily linked with Bath.

Dragons Chief Executive Stuart Davies explained: "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.

"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."