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Rhys Priestland is putting his Wales career on hold to concentrate on club rugby with Bath – and it could open the door for Warren Gatland to approve Taulupe Faletau’s request to leave Newport Gwent Dragons.

Forty-times capped outside-half Priestland, who was understudy to Dan Biggar at the World Cup and in this year’s Six Nations, joined the Aviva Premiership outfit from the Scarlets at the end of last season.

He was signed as cover for England play-maker George Ford and the 28-year-old’s decision to step down from the international arena isn’t a great surprise.

Bath coach Mike Ford, the father of George, confirmed speculation which had been building following the west country club’s 16-9 league defeat at former Wales captain David Young’s Wasps.

(Image: Mohan via Doha Stadium Plus Qatar)

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Ford senior said Priestland, who scored 74 points for Wales and steered them to the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup and a Six Nations Grand Slam the following year, would be taking a minimum break of 18 months from Test rugby.

He said: "We want Rhys with us and he's going to take a break from international rugby for the next 18 months.

"It's his choice and he wants to develop here, get settled at Bath and put a lot of effort and time into being the best player he can be at Bath.

"When George is away with the Six Nations, Rhys will be our 10.

"Eighteen months later is still two years away from the next World Cup and he's still young enough, if he wants to carry on playing for his country, he can do."

Priestland’s last appearance came off the replacement bench during Wales’ 23-19 World Cup quarter-final exit to South Africa at Twickenham last weekend.

(Image: Getty Images)

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The reliable and confident Biggar has established himself as the undoubted first choice of Wales coach Gatland and backs guru Rob Howley.

Priestland has bags of ability but his big-match temperament has been questioned and he has previously been targeted for abuse by some Welsh fans.

Wales hope Gareth Anscombe, who impressed at full-back during the global showpiece, will blossom as a challenger to Biggar for the cherished No.10 jersey during this season’s Six Nations.

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Priestland's decision means Faletau is more likely to quit the Dragons and join him at Bath.

The Dragons want to sell the Wales No.8 for a fee believed to be in the region of £150,000 and have sought the permission of the WRU.

Faletau is wanted by Bath but a sticking point has been Gatland only being able to pick two “wild-cards” from outside Wales for the rest of the season under the terms of the agreement signed by the union and the Welsh regions.

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Three into two wouldn’t have gone with Harlequins-bound Jamie Roberts and Priestland already over the border – players like George North who left before the summer recess aren’t effected – Priestland give Gatland scope to sanction Faletau’s wish to leave the Dragons.

Talks with Bath were held shortly before the World Cup and we understand it’s a matter of when, not if, they expect to unveil Faletau as their man.

Under the terms of the WRU agreement with the four regions, the union hierarchy would have to formally approve Faletau’s transfer to play his rugby in England.

Previously, Gatland has expressed reservations and he was disappointed Faletau didn’t take up the offer of a National Dual Contract last season.

But the Dragons are keen to cash in on a six-figure sum before Faletau becomes a free agent during the summer and leaves for nothing.

If the Dragons don’t get the green light from the WRU, they 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.