THANKFULLY, IRELAND AND Paul O’Connell managed to get this island’s big summer transfer story all signed and sealed off before the Rugby World Cup pre-season started.
In Wales, preparation for a tournament they have a role in hosting has been overshadowed by the impasse between Warren Gatland, the Newport-Gwent Dragons, Taulupe Faletau and Bath.
The WRU’s Senior Players Selection Policy, popularly known as ‘Gatland’s Law’ states that only players who play in the Principality are eligible for international selection.
Obviously, that is not a workable situation with so many star names tempted to England and France. So, the rule exempts players (such as George North, Jonathan Davies and Leigh Halfpenny) who had an existing contract outside of Wales when the law came in to effect in March. Players who are released or not offered central WRU contracts also fall outside the net.
The Wales head coach currently has two wildcard selections available to get around ‘Gatland’s Law’.
As things stand, Harlequins’ Jamie Roberts and Bath’s Rhys Priestland are ear-marked for those places, but Taulupe Faletau is keen on a move across the Severn to Bath and the Dragons have agreed a transfer fee with the Premiership club.
Standing between Faletau and and Mike Ford’s club? Warren David Gatland.
As reiterated by WalesOnline today (who have written extensively on this subject), the Rugby Services Agreement between the WRU and the Welsh Regions states that the national team’s head coach must give approval before a contracted player is allowed to leave.
“I would be limiting myself and why would I do that?” Gatland told Sky Sports News on the matter of whether he would allow the Tongan-born back row to compete with Priestland for wildcard selection.
“Unless something changes, hopefully he will be playing in Wales.”
