Taulupe Faletau: No 'direct' bid - Newport Gwent Dragons chief

Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau was born in Tonga

Newport Gwent Dragons chief executive Stuart Davies says the region have not received any direct approaches for star player Taulupe Faletau.

The Welsh Rugby Union has withdrawn a national dual contract offer to the player after a deadline passed.

Bath have been linked with Wales number eight Faletau, whose contract expires at the end of 2015-16.

"We've had no approach directly from any club interested in taking Toby," said ex-Wales number eight Davies.

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 Dragons.

Davies says switching agent "may well have been a mitigating factor".

"But there was a deadline that was well established so it was there and known by all so it only goes some way I suppose to explaining why it might not have been signed," said Davies.

The Dragons chief says he has played a "mediating" role in the talks between the WRU and Faletau and hopes a deal can be done to keep the player at Rodney Parade beyond 2016.

Wales coach Warren Gatland said Faletau's contract offer was "off the table for now".

"That's not to say there wouldn't be one on offer to him for next season," said Gatland.