Priestland takes break from Wales

Editor

Bath fly-half Rhys Priestland is putting his career with Wales on hold for the next 18 months according to his club coach Mike Ford.

The news was confirmed by Ford after Bath's 16-9 defeat away to Wasps on Saturday.

Priestland was part of the Wales squad for the Rugby World Cup who were knocked out of the quarter-finals by South Africa last weekend.

The 28-year-old is set for a "minimum 18-month break" from international rugby according to Ford.

Priestland's decision may open the door for Taulupe Faletau to complete his move to The Rec from Newport Gwent Dragons, given that the number eight could now become one of Warren Gatland's two chosen players based outside Wales who would be available for selection, with the other being Jamie Roberts at Harlequins.

Players such as George North agreed moves abroad before 'Gatland's Law' was put into place.

Faletau has been extensively linked with Bath in recent years with the Dragons now looking to sell their prized asset for a rumoured fee of £150,000.