Joe Hawkins faces missing out on Warren Gatland's extended Rugby World Cup training squad unless he can prove over the next six days he signed for Exeter Chiefs before winning his first cap.
Gatland names his extended squad for pre World Cup training camps in Switzerland and Turkey on Monday but Hawkins' participation is in serious doubt.
The Wales head coach is a big fan of the 20-year-old who started four out of his country's five Six Nations tests this season before making way for Nick Tompkins against France.
READ MORE: The bolters who could just have forced their way into Warren Gatland's Wales World Cup plans
On the face of it, Hawkins' decision to leave the Ospreys for Exeter would make him ineligible to play for Wales given he falls way short of the 25 caps required to continue representing his country.
But earlier this month, Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said he was confident Hawkins would be eligible to represent Wales while playing in the Gallagher Premiership.
"Yes, if selected as an eligible Wales player," said Baxter when asked about Hawkins' eligibility. "We haven't signed him on the expectation that he won't play for Wales, if that's what you're asking me. I expect him to play for Wales."
In order to represent Wales at this autumn's World Cup, Hawkins or his representatives must prove he signed his Exeter contract in October before he won his first cap.
WalesOnline has been told by three high ranking sources in the Welsh game that as of today the evidence needed has not been forthcoming, meaning the five-cap international has until Sunday night to prove exactly when he signed his contract.
The inside centre, who can also play outside-half, is a very talented footballer with the potential to develop into a top end international class player.
But Gatland does have other options in midfield with fit again Scarlets powerhouse Johnny Williams hitting form at just the right time, while experienced Saracens man Nick Tompkins, and explosive Ospreys centre Keiran Williams are also in the frame.
Cardiff pair Max Llewellyn and Mason Grady are also players who could potentially do a job in the number 12 jersey are test level.
Another player whose eligibility is up in the air is second-row Will Rowlands, who will leave the Dragons at the end of the season to sign for French giants Racing 92.
Rowlands currently has 23 caps to his name but WalesOnline has been told the plan is for him to win a further two during the warm-up tests against South Africa, and England (twice), respectively, to make him eligible for the World Cup.
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