Taulupe Faletau: WRU withdraws offer of dual contract to forward

Taulupe Faletau was a part of the British and Irish Lions' victorious tour of Australia in 2013

The Welsh Rugby Union has withdrawn its offer of a national dual contract to Wales' Taulupe Faletau after he missed a deadline.

Number eight Faletau has a year left on his current Newport Gwent Dragons deal.

The British and Irish Lion, 24, said changing his agent had "delayed" signing a dual contract, which would be co-funded by the WRU and the region.

"It was disappointing he didn't sign a national dual contract," said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

"He has another year left on his contract with the Dragons and there has been interest in him from other clubs in the UK.

"That's not to say there wouldn't be one [a dual contract] on offer to him for next season, but it's off the table at the moment."

Faletau has been linked with a move to English Premiership side Bath.

There are 12 Wales players on dual contracts, which are funded 60% by the WRU and 40% by the regions.

Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Biggar (both Ospreys), Scott Williams (Scarlets) and the uncapped Gareth Anscombe (Blues) are the most recent additions.

The quartet follow Rhys Webb, Dan Lydiate (both Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Jake Ball, Samson Lee, Rhodri Jones (all Scarlets) and Tyler Morgan and Hallam Amos (both Newport Gwent Dragons) in signing.

Referring to the Faletau situation, Gatland told WalesOnline: "It put me in a bit of a difficult situation when players and agents have been told a deadline.

"To go back on that when others have signed would not have been fair, we couldn't make an exception."