Ross Moriarty is on the verge of leaving Welsh rugby, with French club Bayonne the front runners for his signature.
The Wales international's Dragons RFC contract runs out at the end of the season and as a result he has been attracting the interest of English, French, and Japanese clubs.
With the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) lowering the 60-cap rule to 25 it means Moriarty, who has 54 caps, would remain eligible to play for Wales should he sign for a club outside the country.
Wages are set to be dramatically pushed down in Wales next season with £278,000 a year the maximum a player can earn, while playing budgets at the four regions will eventually be reduced to £4.5million, making it very difficult to compete on the field.
With the contractual freeze expected to be lifted by the end of the week, WalesOnline understands the Dragons will offer Moriarty a maximum value contract but it is unlikely to be enough to keep him at Rodney Parade.
The 28-year-old, who was a shock omission from Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad, is one of the most sought after players on the market, with his uncompromising style and relentless physicality attractive to English and French clubs.
No deal has been signed yet but it is likely the back-rower will be playing his rugby outside of Wales next season.
Exeter Chiefs have also been very keen to acquire the services of the former Gloucester star and have money to spend with a number of their biggest earners leaving the club for France next season.
But the money on offer in France is a different level to what Rob Baxter's side can offer.
Top14 big spenders Bordeaux are also interested but WalesOnline has learnt Bayonne are the favourites to secure his signature.
Bayonne, who won promotion from the ProD2 last season, have been the surprise package in the Top14 this season currently occupying fifth spot on the table.
They are keen to keep building and are ready to offer Moriarty a big money deal which they hope will see him relocate to the Basque Country next season.
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