The Test future of Joe Hawkins remains unclear as Ospreys coach Toby Booth alluded to recent "conversations" with the centre over his future.
Booth was speaking publicly for the first time since Hawkins and Ospreys back-rower Ethan Roots were unveiled as new Exeter Chiefs signings for next season. Both departures are undoubtedly blows for the Ospreys, but the loss of 20-year-old Hawkins has an extra dimension given the move likely ends his fledgling Test career for now.
With five caps, Hawkins falls short of the Welsh Rugby Union's 25-cap rule, whereby capped players with fewer than 25 Wales appearances cannot play for Wales if plying their club rugby trade away from the regions. Hawkins' new club boss at Exeter, Rob Baxter, claimed last week that he expected the midfielder to be able to continue playing for Wales, but ultimately it would be up for the WRU to decide.
