91Èȱ¬

Wales back-row Taulupe Faletau decided not to continue with negotiations for a dual contract according to Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis.

The WRU withdrew its offer of a deal for Dragons number eight Faletau after he missed a deadline.

Faletau has a year left on his current Dragons deal and has been linked with a move to English Premiership side Bath.

"It was the player himself who decided not to go forward," said Lewis.

"We are where we are with that one. Would we like Taulupe to be part of it all? Absolutely.

"But there was a deadline and the decision wasn't made and people move on."

Faletau, 24, who toured with the British and Irish Lions to Australia in 2013, said changing his agent had "delayed" signing a dual contract,

There are 12 Wales players on dual contracts, which are funded 60% by the WRU and 40% by the regions.

The creation of dual contracts was part of a £60m deal between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and regions over funding and governance of the game in Wales.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has previously said dual contracts are crucial in helping to discourage the exodus of top Welsh players abroad.

"We want more and I think we will get more and Warren's got to make that call at the right time because we have the monies to secure more," Lewis told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Wales Sport.

"Warren has been incredibly tolerant, supportive and encouraging in all of these discussions he's had with the players.

"Warren is now looking at what next with national dual-contracted players."