Sam Warburton left out in the cold by regions

Sam Warburton has no regional team to play for next season after the Welsh regions reaffirmed their stand against central contracts.

The Lions captain signed a three-year deal in January as the first of six high-profile captures planned by the Union. After failing to add more players, including another Lions captain in Alun-Wyn Jones, Warburton is on his own.

While Leigh Halfpenny chose to treble his money by joining Toulon, the Scarlets pair of Scott Williams and Rhys Priestland signed new contracts with their region.

The Ospreys have accused the Union of a bidding war in their attempt to sign Adam Jones, the Lions tighthead who has yet to declare whether his next move will be to sign for the WRU, move to the Premiership or stay in Swansea.

The regions are still waiting to settle their conflict with the WRU. Their united action against picking any player on a national contract will top the agenda, if and when they get back to the negotiating table.

PETER JACKSON

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