The Dragons have confirmed the departure of Wales lock Will Rowlands, as the second-row admitted that he still hopes to play at next year's World Cup.
The 31-year-old has established himself in the Wales starting XV this year, winning the Welsh Rugby Writers' Player of the Year for his performances. However, as revealed by WalesOnline last week, Rowlands had been left in limbo due to the financial paralysis in Welsh rugby and has accepted an offer from a club outside of Wales as a result.
The Dragons, who named Rowlands their captain at the start of the season, haven't named the club that Rowlands has signed for, but it is understood to be French outfit Racing 92. With only 23 caps for Wales - well short of the 60 required to continue playing Test rugby outside of Wales - Rowlands' future in international rugby now has a time limit on it.
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That, in theory, could come before next year's World Cup, with WalesOnline understanding that his chances of being eligible to play in the tournament will rely on special dispensation from the Professional Rugby Board to get around the rule. That will require all four regions to agree to it.
However, as he thanked everyone at Rodney Parade upon the announcement of his departure, Rowlands outlined his hope that he could be a part of Warren Gatland's squad in France next September.
"I am sad to be leaving Dragons RFC at the end of this season but would like to thank everyone involved with the club for their support over the past 18 months," he said.
“It has been a pleasure to play at Rodney Parade and I know that the future is bright for this club. It’s home to some truly talented players and I really believe in the vision of Dai and the other coaches. I have no doubt that we are just beginning to see the seeds of that in the performances of the team, and that they will go from strength to strength.
“It is still my great hope that I will be able to represent my country in the World Cup 2023, if called upon.”
Rowlands joined the Dragons from Wasps in 2021 and quickly established himself as a key figure for both club and country. During his time in Gwent, he moved from the fringes of Wayne Pivac's Wales side to being an integral part of the starting XV.
Understandably, he's a huge loss to the Dragons and Welsh rugby, particularly given how the Rodney Parade side have been unable to offer him improved terms that reflected his rise to prominence after they were last able to put forward a contract to Rowlands last year.
“We’re obviously disappointed to be losing a player of Will’s quality, but despite the best efforts of ourselves, Will’s representative and the WRU over the last 12 months or so, we were unable to reach agreement on terms for the future," said Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan.
“Since arriving in Gwent, Will has been a hugely positive influence on our group, captaining the side and being named Wales’ player of the year.
“We know that he’ll continue to give his absolute all to the club for the remainder of his time with us and he will always be welcome at Rodney Parade."
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