Taulupe Faletau transfer blocked

Well, well, well. You are not going anywhere Taulupe, perhaps they will give him a DC after all, or Peters Thomas will flash his millions at him.

The Welsh Rugby Union has refused permission for Newport Gwent Dragons to transfer international number eight Taulupe Faletau.
The region had sought to release the British and Irish Lions forward, with Bath favourites to secure his signing.
Under the funding agreement for Welsh domestic rugby, national coach Warren Gatland has to sanction international players moving outside Wales.
A Dragons statement confirmed permission had been denied.


http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34652414

He's already turned down a DC, or they withdrew the offer because he hasn't responded.

How do people think the player will take this? Did he want to move or stay? It almost seems like he's an object rather then a person with the club, Gatland and the WRFU deciding his future for him.

Obviously that may not be how it is but it just comes across that way.

It's fair to say that it's a total mess.

Noises from ex playing pundits are that he's keen to move. I think that even if he wanted to stay, Dragons want to get rid!

Well hopefully for Wales' sake he doesn't follow Priestland and retire from international rugby for 18 months!!

It all seems very odd.

I'm guessing he's still got time on his contract at the Dragons and they wanted a 'transfer fee' to end his contract early? Otherwise, how can anyone stop him?

HammerofThunor wrote:I'm guessing he's still got time on his contract at the Dragons and they wanted a 'transfer fee' to end his contract early? Otherwise, how can anyone stop him?

That would be my assumption as well, but they can't force him to play for Wales!

Yes he's got a year left. He wants to leave; he was offered a national dual contract but turned it down; Bath have offered to buy him out of the final year (something like a £150k transfer fee); Dragons board are keen to get something rather than nothing in a year. So the player wants to leave, another club wants him, they're willing to pay, the club wants to sell him - seems a no brainier for me.

But the WRU have blocked it - now we'll have an unhappy player at the club that's away a lot with Wales and has just played in a World Cup so will need extra rest probably. How many games will he get? Will he be motivated? And then he'll walk in 7 or 8 months at the end of the season anyway and we'll get zero.

What's the chances he picks up a mysterious injury that keeps him out for a large chunk of his remaining time???

LordDowlais wrote:Well, well, well. You are not going anywhere Taulupe, perhaps they will give him a DC after all, or Peters Thomas will flash his millions at him.

The Welsh Rugby Union has refused permission for Newport Gwent Dragons to transfer international number eight Taulupe Faletau.
The region had sought to release the British and Irish Lions forward, with Bath favourites to secure his signing.
Under the funding agreement for Welsh domestic rugby, national coach Warren Gatland has to sanction international players moving outside Wales.
A Dragons statement confirmed permission had been denied.


http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34652414

Firstly, not going anywhere at the moment. Secondly, why would he go to Cardiff?

Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Luckily Taulupe is not one of these high maintenance players who throw their toys out of the pram when things don't go their way. He'll just put his head down and continue to be a huge asset to the Dragons.

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

Nuts.

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

Yes, I agree also. Imagine the position we could be in if Bath leant on Faletau to ask him to take a sabbatical from team Wales ? It is too risky, and we need to be keeping our best players in Wales.

Not only that, we need to keep our regions competitive as well.

LordDowlais wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

Yes, I agree also. Imagine the position we could be in if Bath leant on Faletau to ask him to take a sabbatical from team Wales ? It is too risky, and we need to be keeping our best players in Wales.

Not only that, we need to keep our regions competitive as well.

He'll probably leave at the end of the season though and the Drags aka Wales B will get nowt.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

Yes, I agree also. Imagine the position we could be in if Bath leant on Faletau to ask him to take a sabbatical from team Wales ? It is too risky, and we need to be keeping our best players in Wales.

Not only that, we need to keep our regions competitive as well.

He'll probably leave at the end of the season though and the Drags aka Wales B will get nowt.

Wales B, who are Wales A?

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

Yes, I agree also. Imagine the position we could be in if Bath leant on Faletau to ask him to take a sabbatical from team Wales ? It is too risky, and we need to be keeping our best players in Wales.

Not only that, we need to keep our regions competitive as well.

He'll probably leave at the end of the season though and the Drags aka Wales B will get nowt.

Wales B, who are Wales A?

"Agreement has finally been reached between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four regions, Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, the Ospreys and the Scarlets.

The white smoke eventually emerged from Cardiff with the announcement of a Rugby Services Agreement worth £60 million to the regions over the next six years.

"The agreement also brings the return of a Wales A team,"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/wales/11062478/Welsh-rugbys-civil-war-ends-with-60m-peace-deal-between-WRU-and-the-regions.html

Cardiff Dave wrote:

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

Yes, I agree also. Imagine the position we could be in if Bath leant on Faletau to ask him to take a sabbatical from team Wales ? It is too risky, and we need to be keeping our best players in Wales.

Not only that, we need to keep our regions competitive as well.

He'll probably leave at the end of the season though and the Drags aka Wales B will get nowt.

Wales B, who are Wales A?

"Agreement has finally been reached between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four regions, Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, the Ospreys and the Scarlets.

The white smoke eventually emerged from Cardiff with the announcement of a Rugby Services Agreement worth £60 million to the regions over the next six years.

"The agreement also brings the return of a Wales A team,"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/wales/11062478/Welsh-rugbys-civil-war-ends-with-60m-peace-deal-between-WRU-and-the-regions.html

I'm sorry, whether I'm a bit thick I don't know, there is nothing in that article or the RSA that says to me that the Dragons are Wales B.

chris_501 wrote:Luckily Taulupe is not one of these high maintenance players who throw their toys out of the pram when things don't go their way. He'll just put his head down and continue to be a huge asset to the Dragons.

+1

Seems like an honest hard working fella. Will be a great asset at any club.

Talk of him not caring might be doing him a disservice. And if a player doesn't give a crap about his current club and decides to throw toys out of the pram, how might their next club look at them or the club after that? It becomes a question mark and could impact their value.

Presume this would be a bit of a precedent. The introduction of a transfer fee (though has that happened before with welsh regions?). What players have only 2 years left on their contracts? Who else are the WRU scared about losing if this becomes the norm?

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

Yes, I agree also. Imagine the position we could be in if Bath leant on Faletau to ask him to take a sabbatical from team Wales ? It is too risky, and we need to be keeping our best players in Wales.

Not only that, we need to keep our regions competitive as well.

He'll probably leave at the end of the season though and the Drags aka Wales B will get nowt.

Wales B, who are Wales A?

"Agreement has finally been reached between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four regions, Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, the Ospreys and the Scarlets.

The white smoke eventually emerged from Cardiff with the announcement of a Rugby Services Agreement worth £60 million to the regions over the next six years.

"The agreement also brings the return of a Wales A team,"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/wales/11062478/Welsh-rugbys-civil-war-ends-with-60m-peace-deal-between-WRU-and-the-regions.html

I'm sorry, whether I'm a bit thick I don't know, there is nothing in that article or the RSA that says to me that the Dragons are Wales B.

Oh come on mun.

thebandwagonsociety wrote:

chris_501 wrote:Luckily Taulupe is not one of these high maintenance players who throw their toys out of the pram when things don't go their way. He'll just put his head down and continue to be a huge asset to the Dragons.

+1

Seems like an honest hard working fella.  Will be a great asset at any club.

Talk of him not caring might be doing him a disservice.  And if a player doesn't give a crap about his current club and decides to throw toys out of the pram, how might their next club look at them or the club after that? It becomes a question mark and could impact their value.

Presume this would be a bit of a precedent. The introduction of a transfer fee (though has that happened before with welsh regions?).  What players have only 2 years left on their contracts? Who else are the WRU scared about losing if this becomes the norm?

Tell me you two who initiated this whole process ? That has now come to a head at this impasse.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

Yes, I agree also. Imagine the position we could be in if Bath leant on Faletau to ask him to take a sabbatical from team Wales ? It is too risky, and we need to be keeping our best players in Wales.

Not only that, we need to keep our regions competitive as well.

He'll probably leave at the end of the season though and the Drags aka Wales B will get nowt.

Wales B, who are Wales A?

"Agreement has finally been reached between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four regions, Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, the Ospreys and the Scarlets.

The white smoke eventually emerged from Cardiff with the announcement of a Rugby Services Agreement worth £60 million to the regions over the next six years.

"The agreement also brings the return of a Wales A team,"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/wales/11062478/Welsh-rugbys-civil-war-ends-with-60m-peace-deal-between-WRU-and-the-regions.html

I'm sorry, whether I'm a bit thick I don't know, there is nothing in that article or the RSA that says to me that the Dragons are Wales B.

Oh come on mun.

No, you come on explain yourself

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

I would guess they're a bit worried given that Priestland has made himself unavailable, what's to stop the next overseas international from doing so? I guess the lack of No.8s also influenced the thinking behind it - Gatland probably didn't want any aggro if he was to call players up outside the world rugby window. I too agree with the stance and hopefully Faletau will reconsider the dual contract at the end of the season. With that I also hope the likes of Charteris, Davies and Halfpenny return to play for Welsh teams.

mikey_dragon wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

I would guess they're a bit worried given that Priestland has made himself unavailable, what's to stop the next overseas international from doing so? I guess the lack of No.8s also influenced the thinking behind it - Gatland probably didn't want any aggro if he was to call players up outside the world rugby window. I too agree with the stance and hopefully Faletau will reconsider the dual contract at the end of the season. With that I also hope the likes of Charteris, Davies and Halfpenny return to play for Welsh teams.

Mikey, totally agree, if he was allowed to go now, Gatland wouldn't have him for the 13 days before the 6N and in the breaks between matches he would be forced by the PRL to go back to Bath, don't forget what the PRL did to Paul James even though Bath were prepared to release him.
Being of the older brigade I believe a contract should be honoured, unless ALL sides are in agreement to shelve it and obviously one isn't

thebandwagonsociety wrote:

chris_501 wrote:Luckily Taulupe is not one of these high maintenance players who throw their toys out of the pram when things don't go their way. He'll just put his head down and continue to be a huge asset to the Dragons.

+1

Seems like an honest hard working fella.  Will be a great asset at any club.

Talk of him not caring might be doing him a disservice.  And if a player doesn't give a crap about his current club and decides to throw toys out of the pram, how might their next club look at them or the club after that? It becomes a question mark and could impact their value.

Presume this would be a bit of a precedent. The introduction of a transfer fee (though has that happened before with welsh regions?).  What players have only 2 years left on their contracts? Who else are the WRU scared about losing if this becomes the norm?

North and Morgan were bought out of their contracts I believe (the 'transfer fee')

Edit: and Bath signed up to the no release thing, and benefit from the revenue it generates, so forget about the "We wanted to let you do it but the PRL wouldn't let us". It's just a convent excuse to let them seem like the good guys. Also, these players can have rest period written into their contract, they just can't play for someone outside of the international window. That was what Saints were fined for with North, not when he stayed with Wales but released to play in the 4th AI. Of course these players would then take a salary hit because they'll be reducing their availability for the club so they don't do it (except North so far).

HammerofThunor wrote:

thebandwagonsociety wrote:

chris_501 wrote:Luckily Taulupe is not one of these high maintenance players who throw their toys out of the pram when things don't go their way. He'll just put his head down and continue to be a huge asset to the Dragons.

+1

Seems like an honest hard working fella.  Will be a great asset at any club.

Talk of him not caring might be doing him a disservice.  And if a player doesn't give a crap about his current club and decides to throw toys out of the pram, how might their next club look at them or the club after that? It becomes a question mark and could impact their value.

Presume this would be a bit of a precedent. The introduction of a transfer fee (though has that happened before with welsh regions?).  What players have only 2 years left on their contracts? Who else are the WRU scared about losing if this becomes the norm?

North and Morgan were bought out of their contracts I believe (the 'transfer fee')

The RSA and all the ancillary stuff were NOT in place then.

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Martyn Phillips 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.

Can't say I disagree.

Mikey you posted part of the article, according to another part of that article it was quoted that one of the main influences for Gatland's decision, was Priestland's decision to retire from International Rugby for 18 months, made him revisit the Faletau decision and made him force Taulupe to stay.
I'm in total agreement with what the WRU and Gatland are trying to do

Yes, I agree also. Imagine the position we could be in if Bath leant on Faletau to ask him to take a sabbatical from team Wales ? It is too risky, and we need to be keeping our best players in Wales.

Not only that, we need to keep our regions competitive as well.

He'll probably leave at the end of the season though and the Drags aka Wales B will get nowt.

Wales B, who are Wales A?

"Agreement has finally been reached between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four regions, Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, the Ospreys and the Scarlets.

The white smoke eventually emerged from Cardiff with the announcement of a Rugby Services Agreement worth £60 million to the regions over the next six years.

"The agreement also brings the return of a Wales A team,"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/wales/11062478/Welsh-rugbys-civil-war-ends-with-60m-peace-deal-between-WRU-and-the-regions.html

I'm sorry, whether I'm a bit thick I don't know, there is nothing in that article or the RSA that says to me that the Dragons are Wales B.

Oh come on mun.

No, you come on explain yourself

Can't do that mun and i'm shewer you can work it out yewer self.

wayne wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote:

thebandwagonsociety wrote:

chris_501 wrote:Luckily Taulupe is not one of these high maintenance players who throw their toys out of the pram when things don't go their way. He'll just put his head down and continue to be a huge asset to the Dragons.

+1

Seems like an honest hard working fella.  Will be a great asset at any club.

Talk of him not caring might be doing him a disservice.  And if a player doesn't give a crap about his current club and decides to throw toys out of the pram, how might their next club look at them or the club after that? It becomes a question mark and could impact their value.

Presume this would be a bit of a precedent. The introduction of a transfer fee (though has that happened before with welsh regions?).  What players have only 2 years left on their contracts? Who else are the WRU scared about losing if this becomes the norm?

North and Morgan were bought out of their contracts I believe (the 'transfer fee')

The RSA and all the ancillary stuff were NOT in place then.

To be be torn up, shredded, incinerated and cast into the wind now that Dodger is no more?

wayne wrote:

thebandwagonsociety wrote:

chris_501 wrote:Luckily Taulupe is not one of these high maintenance players who throw their toys out of the pram when things don't go their way. He'll just put his head down and continue to be a huge asset to the Dragons.

+1

Seems like an honest hard working fella.  Will be a great asset at any club.

Talk of him not caring might be doing him a disservice.  And if a player doesn't give a crap about his current club and decides to throw toys out of the pram, how might their next club look at them or the club after that? It becomes a question mark and could impact their value.

Presume this would be a bit of a precedent. The introduction of a transfer fee (though has that happened before with welsh regions?).  What players have only 2 years left on their contracts? Who else are the WRU scared about losing if this becomes the norm?

Tell me you two who initiated this whole process ? That has now come to a head at this impasse.

As one of the 'you two', I don't know who initiated the whole process, could be a number of reasons behind this starting the process;
- Dragons have a player on a favourable contract, would they be motivated to renegotiate and pay more?
- Dragons might not want to commit to a 3-4 year deal at max value if there is a risk the player might be entering the later part of their career (potentially less minutes and possibly more injuries through wear and tear to come)
- Does the player (or players agent) feel apprehensive going into a final 18 months or 12 months of a contract without securely their playing future?
- Does the player or players agent feel that their performances in and around a RWC would increase the value of the player and try to exploit that?

Personally, I'd say it would be more likely to be the latter two triggering this than the first two.

Faletau was linked with Bath before the World Cup. He was offered a contract (with us/WRU) but didn't sign. He doesn't want to be here. Let him go.

Griff wrote:Faletau was linked with Bath before the World Cup. He was offered a contract (with us/WRU) but didn't sign. He doesn't want to be here. Let him go.

Wise words mate.

My first reaction was to think that Gatland (who I don't like at the best of times) has become even more pig-headed. However, on more reflection, Gatland is still pig-headed but Faletau is under a contract so if the Dragons want to insist on him seeing it through, they are entitled to do so.
On the flipside, I guess that it could sour any relationship between Gatland and player.

First off its a shame this has been played out in public gaze for the media to get their dirty mits all over.

There is obviously two side to every story. People have been saying for ages that the WRU should be doing more to keep our best players in Wales and the RSA now does that and the Dragons knew this would be the case but now that they have put their foot down they are in the wrong.

The Dragons are now stuck with a player who doesn't want to be there (though I think he is honourable enough to do his best for us) and we are likely to lose him at end of next season for nothing.

What if the Dregs told Gatland/WRU to shut their noise and allowed Faletau to shift to Bath?

They would potential forfeit some/all of their share of any moneys that are part of that agreement.

Bandwagon, if you read the BBC article, you would see that Faletau asked for permission to speak with Bath and in the interests of both the Dragons and himself the Dragons agreed, it is not only in that article it has been in the news for weeks here

Dave, it might have the Dodger's signature but the RSA is between the WRU and the Regions, unless it is negotiated in favour of both parties it will not be scrapped, more of your BS.

Not disagreeing with you wayne.

Fair play for Dragons to agree to it.

Personally, WRU shouldn't have a block on a contract that was entered into prior to their powers coming into place (which is what this looks like), surely there should be a grandfather rule on the employment contract.

wayne wrote:Bandwagon, if you read the BBC article, you would see that Faletau asked for permission to speak with Bath and in the interests of both the Dragons and himself the Dragons agreed, it is not only in that article it has been in the news for weeks here

Dave, it might have the Dodger's signature but the RSA is between the WRU and the Regions, unless it is negotiated in favour of both parties it will not be scrapped, more of your BS.

Thanks for that.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Griff wrote:Faletau was linked with Bath before the World Cup. He was offered a contract (with us/WRU) but didn't sign. He doesn't want to be here. Let him go.

Wise words mate.

Thankfully, numpties that are still living in the 90's aren't running the show.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

wayne wrote:Bandwagon, if you read the BBC article, you would see that Faletau asked for permission to speak with Bath and in the interests of both the Dragons and himself the Dragons agreed, it is not only in that article it has been in the news for weeks here

Dave, it might have the Dodger's signature but the RSA is between the WRU and the Regions, unless it is negotiated in favour of both parties it will not be scrapped, more of your BS.

Thanks for that.

No problem, if you can prove your claim, I'll apologise as soon as I see it

HammerofThunor wrote:They would potential forfeit some/all of their share of any moneys that are part of that agreement.

So it's unclear and not definite by the sound of it.
Shambles.

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

wayne wrote:Bandwagon, if you read the BBC article, you would see that Faletau asked for permission to speak with Bath and in the interests of both the Dragons and himself the Dragons agreed, it is not only in that article it has been in the news for weeks here

Dave, it might have the Dodger's signature but the RSA is between the WRU and the Regions, unless it is negotiated in favour of both parties it will not be scrapped, more of your BS.

Thanks for that.

No problem, if you can prove your claim, I'll apologise as soon as I see it

I made a joke. You got all hoity toity.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote:They would potential forfeit some/all of their share of any moneys that are part of that agreement.

So it's unclear and not definite by the sound of it.
Shambles.

Dave, HoT is speculating he doesn't know for definite, but there MUST be clauses that would cater for such eventualities, even the WRU are not that stupid. BUT then who knows

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote:They would potential forfeit some/all of their share of any moneys that are part of that agreement.

So it's unclear and not definite by the sound of it.
Shambles.

Dave, HoT is speculating he doesn't know for definite, but there MUST be clauses that would cater for such eventualities, even the WRU are not that stupid. BUT then who knows

I was going to respond to Dave, but makes more sense to reply to this one. Yes, I was just speculating. I don't know the ins and outs of the agreement. However the agreement between the RRW and WRU covers this, the commercial payouts, extra release time, DC, etc. So if the Dragon's breach it, they'll be in breach of contract.

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote:They would potential forfeit some/all of their share of any moneys that are part of that agreement.

So it's unclear and not definite by the sound of it.
Shambles.

Dave, HoT is speculating he doesn't know for definite, but there MUST be clauses that would cater for such eventualities, even the WRU are not that stupid. BUT then who knows

The Drags should sort their act out. Gatland telling them what they can and can't do is bleeding bonkers.

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Not disagreeing with you wayne.

Fair play for Dragons to agree to it.

Personally, WRU shouldn't have a block on a contract that was entered into prior to their powers coming into place (which is what this looks like), surely there should be a grandfather rule on the employment contract.

The WRU aren't blocking a contract. The regions have agreed that they need permission from the WRU to break a contract with an international player.

HammerofThunor wrote:

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote:They would potential forfeit some/all of their share of any moneys that are part of that agreement.

So it's unclear and not definite by the sound of it.
Shambles.

Dave, HoT is speculating he doesn't know for definite, but there MUST be clauses that would cater for such eventualities, even the WRU are not that stupid. BUT then who knows

I was going to respond to Dave, but makes more sense to reply to this one. Yes, I was just speculating. I don't know the ins and outs of the agreement.  However the agreement between the RRW and WRU covers this, the commercial payouts, extra release time, DC, etc. So if the Dragon's breach it, they'll be in breach of contract.

Totally agree Hammer

HammerofThunor wrote:

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Not disagreeing with you wayne.

Fair play for Dragons to agree to it.

Personally, WRU shouldn't have a block on a contract that was entered into prior to their powers coming into place (which is what this looks like), surely there should be a grandfather rule on the employment contract.

The WRU aren't blocking a contract.  The regions have agreed that they need permission from the WRU to break a contract with an international player.

Which is ridiculous. And clearly needs to change.

HammerofThunor wrote:

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Not disagreeing with you wayne.

Fair play for Dragons to agree to it.

Personally, WRU shouldn't have a block on a contract that was entered into prior to their powers coming into place (which is what this looks like), surely there should be a grandfather rule on the employment contract.

The WRU aren't blocking a contract.  The regions have agreed that they need permission from the WRU to break a contract with an international player.

And that contract is why I will probably side with the club above the player here. God help us if it becomes like soccer-ball where contracts are mere suggestions as to who to play for and do not seem to have any legal standing

Chunky Norwich wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote:

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Not disagreeing with you wayne.

Fair play for Dragons to agree to it.

Personally, WRU shouldn't have a block on a contract that was entered into prior to their powers coming into place (which is what this looks like), surely there should be a grandfather rule on the employment contract.

The WRU aren't blocking a contract.  The regions have agreed that they need permission from the WRU to break a contract with an international player.

Which is ridiculous. And clearly needs to change.

So you want to change a contract that was signed less than a year ago, when the Regions had a slight bit more power than they had previously.