Cory Hill is weighing up a move from Japan to France which could catapult him back into Wales contention.
The 31-year-old, who currently plies his trade for Yokohama Cannon Eagles in Japan, is a target for Top14 clubs Bordeaux and Castres.
WalesOnline understands Hill is looking for a move to the Top14, with former Ireland lock Jeremy Davidson, who is head coach of Castres, keen to secure his signature.
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A move to a Welsh region would be highly unlikely given the wage cuts and the lower playing budgets which are about come into play, with French clubs prepared to offer significantly more money.
Hill was a key member of Warren Gatland's squad in the lead up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, helping Wales win the Grand Slam that year and scoring a try against England. But he hasn't played for his country since the 2021 Six Nations after abruptly leaving Cardiff for Japan.
The former Dragons and Cardiff star left Welsh rugby under a dark cloud after being involved in an unsavoury incident, along with two other men, which resulted in a woman's home getting damaged.
His move to Japan initially made him ineligible to play for Wales under the then 60-cap law but after it was reduced to 25 caps last week Hill is now an option Gatland could select for the World Cup in France this autumn.
Second-row isn't an area of strength for Wales, and Gatland will be very keen to explore the option of getting Hill back on board.
At 6 ft 5inch and 18st 3lbs, Hill would bring much needed physicality to the Wales pack while his athleticism and lineout prowess would also be of benefit.
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