The Ospreys are set to lose Wales prop Nicky Smith at the end of the season with a number of English clubs interested in securing his signature.
The loosehead, who was a surprising omission from Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad, is one of the most destructive scrummagers in the United Rugby Championship.
And his set-piece prowess is attracting the interest of Bath, Bristol Bears, Gloucester, and Northampton Saints who are all keen to acquire his services.
The Professional Rugby Board has still not lifted its contract freeze as the Welsh Rugby Union and the four regions attempt to thrash out a new long-term funding deal.
Even if a deal does get signed, the numbers involved mean the regions will struggle to compete with smaller squads and wages set to be pushed down in Welsh rugby.
As a result, some of Wales' top talents are in danger of leaving with English, French, and Japanese clubs circling the wagon. Will Rowlands has already signed for Racing 92, while Josh Adams is a target for French side Lyon, who are prepared to offer Cardiff a transfer fee to sign him at the end of this season.
Wales Online understands Smith is likely to leave the Ospreys at the end of the season but hasn't decided on his destination just yet.
Should he leave Welsh rugby he will become ineligible to play Test rugby under the 60-cap law unless the PRB listen to Gatland and either relax it in a Rugby World Cup year or scrap it entirely.
The 28-year-old, who has won 42 caps for Wales, is a renowned scrummager and did a major job on the Montpellier and Leicester Tigers scrums in recent week, while he is also a big threat at the breakdown.
Should Smith opt to leave Wales the Ospreys will still have Wales squad member Gareth Thomas on their books but losing the set-piece specialist will still come as a major blow.
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