NEWPORT Gwent Dragons must weigh up whether to plough on with the sale of Taulupe Faletau without Welsh Rugby Union permission after being knocked back by Warren Gatland.

The 24-year-old Wales number eight has been at the centre of a long-running transfer saga after missing the deadline for the offer of a national dual contract.

Faletau made it clear that he wanted to speak to big-spending Aviva Premiership side Bath and negotiations were held between the clubs over a six-figure transfer to buy him out of the final year of his contract at Rodney Parade.

Under the Rugby Services Agreement signed last summer, the Dragons sought the green light from the WRU to cash in on their star player rather than lose him for nothing next year.

However, chief executive Stuart Davies has confirmed that the governing body, with Wales boss Warren Gatland loathe to lose a key player to another country, has turned them down.

Davies said: “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."

The Dragons had already registered Faletau, who is still on holiday after his World Cup exploits, for their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign.

That could easily be switched should the matter be sorted before Bath’s Champions Cup opener against Toulon on November 15 but Davies, who will hold a press conference at midday, suggested that the deal is off until next summer.

“We look forward to welcoming one of the world’s best number eights back into the fold,” said Davies. “I have no doubt that his commitment to the Dragons will be as unfaltering as always.”

The Union said their decision to reject the Dragons’ request was made after talks between Gatland and new chief executive Martyn Phillips.

South Wales Argus:

Phillips, pictured above, said: “We stand alongside the regions in our commitment to try to keep the best Welsh-qualified players here in Wales where they can compete for international honours.

“We want the best players in Wales as role models for youngsters, making sure the regions are as competitive as possible and making sure the coaches are working with the finest talent.

“It is important that supporters recognise our commitment here as we know they want to be watching the very best talent and we want these fans to turn up at regional games as there’s nothing better for our players than to be performing in front of big crowds.

“We fully understand that the Newport Gwent Dragons have acted entirely properly in this matter, but we have a duty to act in the way we feel is in the best interests of the whole of professional rugby and the international game in Wales.

“Although there are circumstances under which moves out of Wales by experienced players can be sanctioned, Taulupe’s status as a player and importance as a role model means we would like him to be playing his rugby here.

“Clearly it is vitally important that we are all mindful of the need to respect and protect Taulupe himself throughout this extremely sensitive and delicate discussion. His welfare is paramount.

“Taulupe is under contract until the end of the current season and we do not believe it is in any of our interests to withdraw from that agreement.

“He is a 24-year-old with a lot more to offer Wales and our desire now is to keep him under the umbrella of our systems and structures to ensure he has the best opportunity to achieve his full potential.”