The first signs of strain in the Rugby Services Agreement have emerged with the news that Wales head coach Warren Gatland has denied the Dragons’ request to sell star player Taulupe Faletau.

The Dragons were looking to offload Faletau after discussions over a new contract had completely broken down, with the club resigned to either selling him now for a sizeable transfer fee, or losing him at the end of the season for nothing. With at least one Premiership club reportedly circling, they were confident of a sale.

Under the terms of the RSA, however, they would have required the permission of Gatland and the WRU to make the sale a year early – a request that has been roundly denied by the Wales coach, who is keen on keeping as many of his star players within the country as possible

A statement this afternoon from Dragons Chief Executive Stuart Davies read:

“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. 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.”

What the next step is, remains to be seen. Presumably having blocked Faletau’s early departure, the WRU will look to work with the Dragons to get their star player to sign a new contract within Wales.

Should they fail to do so, there will be a feeding frenzy when the time comes that other clubs are allowed to speak to Faletau about offering him a contract.

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images