Faletau move disappoints WRU

The WRU were hoping to keep the star player in Wales as part of their National Dual Contract system

"The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that National Dual Contract negotiations with Newport Gwent Dragons player Taulupe Faletau, continued until the WRU were notified of his decision to accept a move to Bath Rugby," said a WRU statement.

"During the negotiations the WRU and Newport Gwent Dragons continued to liaise on all developments.

"The WRU is disappointed but accepts the player's decision in which he identified a desire to pursue a new rugby challenge at this stage of his career.

"It remains the policy of the WRU to keep as many Welsh qualified players as possible in Wales with one of the four Regions."

There are currently 17 National Dual Contract players divided between the four Welsh Regions.