The four Welsh regions have been put on red alert after new Wales tighthead Henry Thomas announced he will be leaving French champions Montpellier.
Former England star Thomas was a shock inclusion in Warren Gatland's World Cup training squad having impressed in the Top 14.
But upon hearing of Wales' interest in him Montpellier director of rugby Philippe Saint-André told the 31-year-old his contract would not be renewed if he accepted Gatland's offer.
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Thomas made the decision to go with Wales, but now finds himself in a tricky situation.
According the Professional Rugby Board's eligibility criteria any player with fewer than 25 caps, who has been included in an official senior Wales squad, will be required sign for one of Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, or Scarlets upon the conclusion of his contract to remain eligible, even if uncapped.
A precedent was set when Cardiff lock Teddy Williams, who was an uncapped member of Wales' recent Six Nations squad, had agreed terms to join Exeter Chiefs only to pull out after figuring out his decision would have made him ineligible for Wales.
A recent PRB statement read: "Players with more than 25-caps can still be selected even if they play outside Wales, whereas players with fewer caps are not eligible in this circumstance.
"Call-ups for uncapped players already contracted outside of Wales are allowed within the policy. However, in order to keep their eligibility, a newly capped player is required to return to Wales at the expiration of the contract in place at the point of call-up."
What the PRB will have to decide is whether an extended pre-World Cup training squad counts as an official squad. If it does Thomas will have to join a Welsh region.
Given the professional game in Wales is in dire financial straits the former Sale Sharks and Bath prop finds himself in a tricky situation.
The Welsh sides will see their playing budgets slashed to £5.2million next season before dropping even further to £4.5million the following year, although WalesOnline understands attempts are being made to prevent that.
Thomas has a very good reputation within the game as a top-class scrummager who is dynamic around the park, and has performed well for every club he has played for.
With that in mind it would be a surprise if his availability didn't pique the interest of clubs in the Gallagher Premiership where he previously played for Sale and Bath respectively.
But if one was to follow the PRB's 25 cap law by the book it is highly likely he will have to sign for a Welsh side to represent Wales at the World Cup, especially after they deemed Joe Hawkins ineligible following his move from the Ospreys to Exeter Chiefs.
That will put Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets on alert.
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