High level talks have taken place amid concerns Cory Hill could become the latest big name player to quit Wales' Rugby World Cup training squad.
There is a strong chance the 31-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb in pulling out just three months before the World Cup to take up a contract overseas.
Hill was recalled by Warren Gatland after two years in the international wilderness, and has been playing for Japanese club Yokohama Cannon Eagles until he left recently.
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The former Dragons and Cardiff star left Welsh rugby under a dark cloud back in 2021 after being involved in an unsavoury incident, along with two other men, which resulted in a woman's home getting damaged.
Given second-row is not an area of strength for Wales, losing a player of Hill's quality with the perfect mix of athleticism, and physicality would be a big blow for Gatland's World Cup plans.
With Hill very possibly following Jones out of the mix, Wales have Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Christ Tshiunza, Rhys Davies, Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, and the uncapped Teddy Williams as second-row options.
WalesOnline understands Hill had intended to secure a contract with a club in Europe while also representing Wales in France this autumn.
There was some initial interest from the Welsh regions but given the budget cuts they were not in a position to offer the athletic lock a deal.
Many clubs in France and Japan are understandably reluctant to pay big money for players who will be away on international duty for large chunks of the season.
It is understood Hill has been offered a playing contract overseas on the proviso he does not play for Wales in the upcoming World Cup. He now has one of the biggest decisions of his career to make.
It's the latest selection complication Gatland has faced over the past month or so. Ross Moriarty asked not to be considered for the training squad after signing for Brive back in April, while Rhys Carre became the fourth player to leave the squad last week after failing to hit performance targets.
If Hill's departure is confirmed, the initial 54-man training squad will be down to 49 players.
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