DRAGONS legend Taulupe Faletau is set to join Cardiff next season after confirming his exit from Bath.
The Wales number eight has been in talks about a switch to the Arms Park after spending five seasons at the Rec.
Bath have confirmed that the 30-year-old is signing for “an unnamed Welsh side” in a bid to improve his chances of being a leading figure at the 2023 World Cup.
“I will miss the team and everyone at the club, but my heart is set on returning to Wales and hopefully continuing my international playing ambitions,” said Faletau. “It feels like the right time for me, and my family, to return home.”
The British & Irish Lions forward was unavailable for last weekend’s defeat to New Zealand because the fixture was held outside World Rugby’s official Test window.
Faletau has also been struggling with an ankle problem and after being almost indestructible at Rodney Parade has featured just 64 times for Bath because of injury misfortune.
A return to Wales will ensure 86-times capped Faletau would be able to play a full part in international campaigns and also be closely monitored by the Welsh Rugby Union conditioning team.
Cardiff have already signed flanker Thomas Young for next season and boast Ellis Jenkins, Josh Navidi, Shane Lewis-Hughes and Josh Turnbull in their squad, but a specialist number eight of Faletau’s quality would be a big boost.
The Pontypool-raised forward is arguable the Dragons’ greatest player after making his debut in 2009 and racking up 110 appearances, mixing a big work rate with strong ball-carrying and classy skills.
The Dragons have more pressing needs than looking to bolster their already strong back row.
Wales started with their trio of Ross Moriarty, Taine Basham and Aaron Wainwright against the All Blacks while they also have Harrison Keddie, Ollie Griffiths, Ben Fry, Dan Baker and Lennon Greggains in their squad.
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