Get the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The Welsh Rugby Union has withdrawn the offer of a national dual contract to centre Scott Williams.

WalesOnline understands the WRU, with the full backing of Warren Gatland, ended negotiations after not being party to an extraordinary battle for the Wales centre’s signature between the Ospreys and Scarlets.

Williams was originally given the chance to extend his current dual contract with the union beyond its present expiry of next summer.

But it’s now understood the Ospreys offered Williams, who captained Wales against Ireland in August, a deal exclusively with them worth in the region of £80,000 more than the dual contract.

The Scarlets, with the help of chairman Nigel Short, then stepped in to match the Ospreys offer, anxious to be able to pair Williams in ther midfield with the returning Jonathan Davies next season.

Read more:Clean sweep! Weekend to remember for the Welsh regions as all four sides claim impressive victories

Read more:Zebre 22-39 Ospreys match report: Justin Tipuric at his brilliant best as the Ospreys earn their stripes

But we have learned Gatland and the WRU hierachy were annoyed at what they saw as a lack of consultation over the regional deals offered to Williams and recoiled at the idea of trying to match an increased salary with an improved dual contract, believing that it would set a dangerous precedent.

The situation means that, for now at least, Williams’ future remains up in the air. It appears he must choose between staying at the Scarlets or moving to the Ospreys or further afield.

There is no shortage of interest in him from English and French clubs.

Of greater concern for the Welsh game is the apparent breakdown of the process set out in last year’s Rugby Services Agrrement, which was aimed at making the retention of Wales stars a three-way arrangement between the WRU, the Regions and the player.

Read more:Newport Gwent Dragons 22-6 Munster match report: Men of Gwent claim impressive win over Irish giants

Read more:Scarlets' two-try hero Morgan Allen takes swipe at the Ospreys telling his former employers: "It's nice to be in a team where I feel wanted"

There was better news last Friday when Dan Biggar signed a new long term dual contract, but there are still several of Gatland’s front-line players whose futures are unclear.

Rhys Webb and Alun Wyn Jones have yet to commit to staying in Welsh rugby – both are out of contract at the end of the season.

Dragons No.8 Taulupe Faletau is in the same position and is still tipped to move to Bath next summer, while attempts to entice Leigh Halfpenny back home – the Blues and Scarlets want his signature – could be scuppered by, among others, Wasps.

Scrum-half Gareth Davies, so impressive at the World Cup, is also yet to pen an extension to his dual deal.