Teddy Williams is set to make a shock U-turn by declining a move to Exeter Chiefs to stay in Wales.
Uncapped Williams, who was a member of Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad, was on the verge of signing for the Champions Cup semi-finalists where he would have joined a strong Welsh contingent which includes international trio Joe Hawkins, Christ Tshiunza and Dafydd Jenkins.
But WalesOnline understands the Cardiff second-row has had a change of heart and is now likely to remain in Wales.
Many players are considering leaving Wales due to wages being driven down with clubs across the border and overseas able offer more money.
But if the 22-year-old had put pen to paper on a contract with Exeter, he would have made himself ineligible to represent Wales.
Williams may be uncapped but the fact he has been an official member of a senior Wales squad would have resulted in the Cardiff lock being captured by the 25-cap rule.
This will please Warren Gatland, who clearly views Williams as a player with significant potential.
A place in Gatland's Rugby World Cup squad is likely to be a stretch too far given the likes of Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Dafydd Jenkins and potentially Will Rowlands are in contention. But Williams is very much part of the national side's long-term plans, and should he commit to a Welsh region it would come as a massive boost for Wales.
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