Newport Gwent Dragons have described their Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau’s move to Aviva Premiership club Bath as “extremely disappointing”.
Bath announced on Wednesday that 24-year-old Faletau will join them next season, meaning that he is set to link up with two other Wales internationals — Luke Charteris and Rhys Priestland — at the Recreation Ground.
In a statement, the Dragons said: "The Newport Gwent Dragons have today received confirmation from the player's agent that Taulupe Faletau is to sign for Bath from next season.
“This comes as extremely disappointing news for the club, given our understanding that a national dual contract was being negotiated with the Welsh Rugby Union.”
Faletau is out of contract with the Dragons at the end of this season, and any hopes of the Dragons securing a six-figure transfer fee were dashed when the WRU and Wales head coach Warren Gatland blocked any switch to Bath in October.
Under terms of the Rugby Services Agreement between the WRU and Wales’ four professional regions, the Dragons needed formal approval from Gatland to let Faletau join a non-Welsh team. That was turned down, though.
Had they been granted permission, then the Dragons would have landed a fee for him.
Faletau made his Wales debut in 2011 and has won 52 caps. He has also played in a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final, in addition to enjoying Six Nations title success.
“The way Bath approach the game suits my style of play, which was a big factor in me wanting to join,” Faletau told Bath’s official website.
“The opportunity to work with Darren (Bath first team coach Darren Edwards) again after doing so with Wales Under-20s and the Dragons was also too good to turn down.
“I would like to thank the Dragons for everything they’ve done for me in my career.”
Bath head coach Mike Ford added: “When we talk about this club being ambitious, we are not just paying lip service.
“Signing a player of Toby’s calibre is evidence of that.
“He is a world-class player who never takes a backwards step, and he will add competition to an equally fantastic back row.
“We are continuing to build a formidable squad that will challenge for silverware for years to come.”
