The WRU have confirmed that Dan Lydiate, released from Racing Métro last month, is amongst a list of 12 players who have been offered a groundbreaking dual-contract by the union.
Sam Warburton is the only player currently on one of the union’s contracts, but Lydiate is expected to join him. It will be up to the other 11 to decide they want to do likewise, and it is not yet known where Lydiate will end up.
Should they do so, they will remain with their current region unless there are specific and agreed-upon reasons for them to join a new team.
Gatland said: “This is an important step forward for Welsh rugby and we will reap rewards in playing standards over the long term. Any player on a National Dual Contract will remain in Wales with a Region where their development and welfare can be monitored by me and my national squad coaches, conditioners and medical staff.
“I want to personally thank the staff from each of the four Regions for their help in getting the National Dual Contracts up and running. In particular I would really like to thank the Regions for their help in facilitating Dan Lydiate’s return to Wales.
“It wasn’t something that we had envisaged so early or budgeted for so I would like to thank them for their help. We can now focus on ensuring all our best young players are aware that the best way for them to realise their talent in full is to stay in Wales under the new structure we have created.”
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