Wales lock Cory Hill is leaving Yokohama Canon Eagles, triggering a race for his signature.
The news about his departure has been announced overnight by the Japanese club.
Hill has been plying his trade in the far east since leaving Cardiff in 2021, but has been recalled to the Wales fold after a two-year exile as part of Warren Gatland's extended World Cup training squad.
The 31-year-old's decision to leave Japan has put a number of clubs on red hot alert, and WalesOnline understands at least two Welsh regions have expressed an interest in acquiring his services.
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But they face stiff competition from France with Top 14 outfits Castres, and Bordeaux leading a long list of admirers of the athletic second-row.
Taking into account the financial situation in Welsh rugby where wages and playing budgets have been slashed, the smart money is on Hill resurfacing in France.
Given he has 32 caps international caps he would remain eligible to represent Wales while playing for a club outside of the country.
Hill was a key member of Gatland's squad in the lead up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, helping Wales win the Grand Slam that year and scoring a try against England.
The former Dragons and Cardiff star left Welsh rugby under a dark cloud after being involved in an unsavoury incident, along with two other men, which resulted in a woman's home getting damaged.
But with Alun Wyn Jones having announced his shock retirement from international rugby on Friday, suddenly Hill has again become a key man for Gatland with the World Cup a mere four months away.
Hill's Japanese club said on their website in the last few hours: "We are pleased to announce the players leaving the club at the end of the season," and then go on to list the men going, the Wales star among them.
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