Ross Moriarty told Warren Gatland he did not want to be selected in his Rugby World Cup squad because he wants to settle into his new life.
Moriarty has recently become a father for the first time and joined French side Brive last month as they fight for Top 14 survival.
The back rower's decision comes after he was left out of Gatland's Six Nations squad to the surprise of many. But his decision to rule himself out of selection for the World Cup was a major and unexpected one.
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He told AFP: “The stage I’m at in my career, in my personal life, with my family and where I want to play my rugby I didn’t think going on a long World Cup camp, being away from the club, where I’ve only just signed, would do me any favours.
“I want to put my best foot forward with my new club, it’s a brand new start, I think that was the best decision for me.
“Helping my family settle in, getting used to life in France, I thought that was the best option,” he added.
Moriarty's fiancée Jordanna Williams and baby daughter Delilah are due to join him in France this week after he signed a contract until 2025.
He left the Dragons at a difficult time, with the financial uncertainty in Wales in stark contrast to the relative riches on offer in France.
“It was pretty rubbish, to be honest with you,” Moriarty said.
“A lot of players were left in a really bad situation with contract negotiations. That was really average and amateur.
“It’s going to be a really tough time for players in Wales, the teams and possibly even the international team for the next couple of seasons,” he added.
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