Cardiff Blues are battling to hold on to their No 8 Nick Williams in the face of opposition from the Welsh Rugby Union.

New Zealander Williams is out of contract at the Arms Park at the end of this season.

He wants to stay on and the Blues want to keep him on for another year.

But the contracting of overseas players has to be approved by the WRU and that approval has not been granted.

The Blues appealed against that decision this week, but their appeal was rejected.

However, they are still fighting their case and hoping for a change of heart on the part of the Union.

It’s understood the WRU are opposed to the re-signing of the 35-year-old Kiwi on the grounds that it could be blocking the path for a home-grown player.

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Williams has been an inspirational figure for the Blues since joining them in 2016, with their win rate far higher when he is on the pitch.

Matt Southcombe on Cardiff Blues vs Ospreys game

He showed his worth once again with a Man of the Match display in yesterday’s narrow Judgement Day defeat to the Ospreys at the Principality Stadium.

Asked after that game whether he hoped to have Williams on board next season, Blues coach John Mulvihill said: “I hope so, but that’s beyond me.

“I am keen to have him stay and play and he’s keen to do that as well.

“We will just have to wait and see what the next few weeks bring.”

On Williams’ performance against the Ospreys, he said: “I thought he played a good 80 minutes.

“You dare not take him off with five to go because you will get the evil eyes!

“He was good. He was our heart and soul.

“Unfortunately for him and some of the other guys who are leaving or possibly leaving, it’s just a disappointing way to finish.”

Williams arrived in Cardiff following spells at Munster, Aironi and Ulster, having come over to Europe in 2008.

Born in Auckland, he initially played rugby league, before switching to Union in his late teens.

Starting out with North Harbour, he progessed to the Blues Super 14 side, representing New Zealand Under 21s and the Junior All Blacks.

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He is the elder brother of Clermont Auvergne threequarter Tim Nanai-Williams and the cousin of All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams.

While the Union are opposing the re-contracting of the Cardiff Blues No 8, the Scarlets have been able to sign fellow New Zealander Sam Lousi from the Hurricanes for next season.