Thomas Young was not available for selection for Wales’ Six Nations squad due to the WRU's 60-cap rule, WalesOnline understands.
The Wasps flanker was granted special dispensation to be named for the autumn internationals, having agreed to join Cardiff next season.
But it’s now emerged that dispensation was only given for the autumn, not for the Six Nations as well.
For some 18 months, up to last October, Young had been ruled ineligible having signed a contract extension with his English club.
With just three caps to his name at the time, he was ruled out by the 60-cap law.
That was despite the fact he hadn’t had an offer on the table from a Welsh region when he re-signed with Wasps.
But, amid his decision to rejoin Cardiff, the situation changed.
Wales coach Wayne Pivac was given permission by the Professional Rugby Board to include him in his squad for the autumn internationals.
Young ended up starting on the openside against Fiji at the Principality Stadium to win his fourth cap.
But the 29-year-old wasn’t included in the Six Nations squad which was named on Tuesday.
Now it’s emerged that his situation has changed.
Issues related to the 60-cap rule, such as the approving of exceptions, are addressed on a series-by-series basis by the PRB.
It’s not a case of Young’s eligibility for the autumn automatically applying to the Six Nations as well.
For the four Test series in October and November, Wales were short of experienced opensides with Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi both out injured, along with James Botham and Josh Macleod.
So Pivac sought dispensation to select the Cardiff-bound Young and that was granted by the PRB, the joint body made up of representatives from the WRU and regions.
But now the landscape has changed somewhat.
Taine Basham was the star of the autumn campaign and is now established at No 7 with more international experience under his belt, while the versatile Ellis Jenkins also had a fine campaign on his return from a long lay-off.
There has also been the emergence of the in-form Jac Morgan, while Ross Moriarty is available again to add his seasoned presence to the back row contingent.
So, given the stronger position in terms of the breakaways available for selection, Pivac didn’t seek permission for Young to be granted special dispensation this time.
As such, he reverts to being ineligible under the 60-cap rule.
When he joins Cardiff at the end of this season, he will be fully available to Wales once more.
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