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Twelve players offered Dual Contracts by WRU

Wales international Dan Lydiate is among a dozen players being offered National Dual Contracts by the Welsh Rugby Union. Players who sign up to the new NDC's will join Wales Captain Sam Warburton in the group and play for one of the four Welsh Regions.

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WRU Chief Executive hails 'landmark' deal over Dual Contracts

WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis has hailed the offer of a host of new National Dual Contracts as a 'landmark day for Welsh rugby'.

The Union last night confirmed they have offered the deals, in which players will be employed both by the WRU and a region, to twelve national players.

The deals are aimed at filling the funding gap on contract offers from around Europe's richer leagues, a plan which both the union and regions hope will stem the exodus of Welsh talent to foreign clubs that has seeped in over recent seasons.

Former Racing Metro flanker Dan Lydiate is among those offered a deal, which the union and regions are hoping will be signed in the coming days.

Roger Lewis, right, has called the deal a 'landmark' day for Welsh rugby. Credit: Welsh Rugby Union

This is a landmark day for Welsh rugby and I am grateful to all involved for the level of cooperation this announcement signifies...National Dual Contracts will help us keep international class talent here in Wales available for Regional rugby and for international selection...The aim of the contracts is to stem the flow of our best talent abroad and to ensure the players staying in Wales.

– Roger Lewis, WRU Chief Executive

Lydiate among 12 to be offered Dual Contracts

Wales international Dan Lydiate is among a list of 12 players being offered National Dual Contracts by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Lydiate, 27, has been capped 39 times by Wales. Credit: PA

Lydiate is on the list after being released early from his contract with Racing Metro, making him available for consideration.

Today Warren Gatland confirmed the Lydiate decision regarding a National Dual Contract had been reached and said twelve contracts, including Lydiate's, were being sent out to players or their agents.

A further group of players could then be considered depending on the outcome of the offers being made today.

"This is an important step forward for Welsh rugby and we will reap rewards in playing standards over the long term...We can now focus on ensuring all our best young players are aware that the best way for them to realise their talent in full is to stay in Wales under the new structure we have created."

– Warren Gatland, Wales Head Coach

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