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Wales coach Warren Gatland has denied the Dragons permission to sell Taulupe Faletau.

The decision comes after crunch talks between the region and WRU on Monday following Faletau's request to speak to Bath.

The Rodney Parade outfit wanted to cash in on the supremely talented No. 8, who starred for Wales at the World Cup, rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Under the terms of the Rugby Services Agreement signed by the WRU and regions last year, the Dragons required formal approval from Gatland to let Faletau join a club outside Wales.

But the Wales coach has now denied them that, meaning the player is set to stay in Wales until the end of the season rather than make a £150,000 switch to the Aviva Premiership.

The Dragons still have the option of ploughing on with the sale and risking the consequences of a fine.

However, any financial penalty would probably be below the six-figure sum they are seeking from Bath.

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A Dragons statement said: "We have been denied permission to proceed with a possible transfer of Taulupe Faletau, following the submission of a formal request to Warren Gatland last week.

"The National Coach has re-iterated his commitment to upholding the restrictions imposed by the Rugby Services Agreement (RSA) in limiting the number of players being selected from outside Wales in the future."

Gatland withdrew the offer of a National Dual Contract for Faletau in May after the back-rower failed to meet a deadline to sign one.

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Dragons Chief Executive Stuart Davies continued: "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.

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“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.

“That said, Taulupe will now be part of our preparations for the weekend and we look forward to welcoming one of the world’s best number eights back into the fold. I have no doubt that his commitment to the Dragons will be as unfaltering as always.”

WRU CEO 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.

“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.

“I want Taulupe to know we have his and the interests of all our players at the heart of all our decision making.”