Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan insists it would be "naive" to think more players aren't considering their futures following Will Rowlands' big money move to Racing 92.
Rowlands is heading through the Rodney Parade exit door after the Welsh Rugby Union and the Dragons failed to meet his salary demands. The Wales lock was originally offered a contract by the WRU in August 2021 which was rejected, and since appealed his salary banding which was turned down by the Professional Rugby Board.
Due to an embargo on offering players new contracts the Dragons were unable to put a better deal on the table with Rowlands instead opting to move to the cash laden fields of the Top 14. While the four regions and the WRU have verbally agreed a new long-term funding framework Flanagan fears more players will leave Welsh rugby, with Ross Moriarty and Elliot Dee examples of other high profile players also out of contract.
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"I think I'd be naive to say that other players aren't looking out there," said Flanagan when asked if he was concerned whether other players would leave the Dragons.
"But again my door has been open if a player wants a conversation about how they feel and where we are. I'd be naive to say no but fingers crossed we can do what's right for the players and they stay with us.
"I've had lots of conversations with players and I can only reassure them we'll do the right thing so when the point comes to treat the person fairly we'll treat the person fairly.
"It is tough, I've been there as a player myself. I've got loads of empathy for them because no one wants to be out of work and no one wants an unknown future.
"Specifically it has been really tough this year with no agreement going forward and the unknown. Hopefully, we can start some conversations with players pretty soon and that's what this agreement will hopefully allow us to do, to reassure people, to let people know if they are staying or if they aren't part of our plans."
While details of any potential new funding framework have not yet been announced there have been suggestions wages may have to be slashed to avoid a similar fate to the one which has befallen both Worcester Warriors and Wasps in England's Gallagher Premiership.
Flanagan conceded that may happen but was confident the Dragons were in a strong position moving forward.
"No doubt, no doubt but I firmly believe we are in such a good place here at the Dragons," said Flanagan when asked if the only way to balance the books in Wales was to drive down players' wages.
"We do things right but also we have a smaller squad, we have a smaller budget and the planning that was put in before I arrived was fantastic to make sure we can compete.
"I think it will depend on how we look at the squad, the size of the squad, and the blend of people who can play multiple positions. We are just starting those conversations between myself and Rob Burgess (Dragons head of recruitment) about how we find a balance.
"No one wants to take a pay cut if we are honest. If we can try not to hit the players too hard that's our overall objective.
"We want a squad that can compete so we need quality in the squad and to get quality you need to pay."
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