Sam Warburton hopes more Welsh players sign dual deals

Sam Warburton led Wales to a 12-6 victory over South Africa on 29 November

Wales captain Sam Warburton hopes more Welsh players will sign national dual contracts.

Dan Lydiate became the second player to sign a Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and regions deal when he joined Ospreys earlier this month.

Cardiff Blues flanker Warburton, who was the first player to sign up, says Lydiate asked him for advice.

"You talk about the ins and outs, what the contract entails," said Warburton. "Hopefully more players will follow."

Warburton and Lydiate are both represented by the same agent, Derwyn Jones, and Warburton added: "He did a great job with myself in sorting out the central contract and similarly with Dan. It's gone pretty smoothly."

In November, it was announced that flanker Lydiate was among 12 players to be offered dual contracts by the WRU, but since then he is the only player to agree such a deal.

Dragons coach Lyn Jones also said Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau, utility back Hallam Amos and centre Tyler Morgan have been offered dual deals.

Leicester fly-half Owen Williams has also been linked with a possible return to Scarlets on a joint WRU-regional contract.

"It will take time to phase itself in," said Warburton.

"It's not the sort of thing you can click your fingers and all the guys will jump back on board.

"I know some players might not be so keen.

"They might want to experience different cultures and go away, but some guys would like the security of having a central contract and staying at home."

Dan Lydiate (L) and Sam Warburton (R) were part of the victorious 2013 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia

Warburton, 26, who has won 49 Wales caps and two more for the British and Irish Lions, says the deal for him so far has worked out "perfectly".

"Even though Dan went away to France I know him pretty well and we are both home birds and we both like being at home," said Warburton.

"I certainly can't see myself moving elsewhere. I love it here in Wales.

"The contract for me has worked out brilliantly, especially from a fitness perspective this year, getting looked after great when it comes to game time, when it comes to medical treatment.

"Cardiff Blues and the WRU, from a communication point of view, have been excellent at keeping me in the loop as to what's going on, which games you play in, which ones you don't and managing your game time really well, so for me it's worked out perfectly."