Christ Tshiunza is targeting a return to Wales next summer in a bid to put himself in contention for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The loose forward has only just joined Sale Sharks, but his one-year contract means he is already considering his next move.
According to RUCK sources, Tshiunza is open to joining any of the four Welsh regions, with Cardiff currently leading the race for his signature.
The move would allow him to regain eligibility for Wales, with the 2027 World Cup now less than a year away.
Tshiunza was part of Cardiff's academy as a youngster before going to study at the University of Exeter.
Before joining Sale, the 24-year-old made more than 50 appearances for Exeter Chiefs after making his debut in September 2021.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but raised in Wales, Tshiunza was encouraged to take up rugby by his school classmates.
He was soon selected for the Cardiff Schools U15s squad, setting him on a rapid path towards professional rugby.
Standing at 6ft 6in, the second row is a powerful athlete. He was originally part of the Cardiff Rugby Academy before Rob Baxter persuaded him to make the move to Exeter.
Despite establishing himself in English rugby, Tshiunza is currently unavailable to Wales because of the nation's selection rules.
Players with fewer than 25 caps cannot be selected while playing their club rugby outside Wales.
Tshiunza has won just 15 caps for his country, leaving him below the required threshold and currently ineligible for selection.
He would have remained available despite signing for Sale had a Welsh region made what was deemed a reasonable offer. Jarrod Evans and Rhys Carre have previously benefited from similar situations.
Cardiff and Ospreys were both interested in the forward, but Tshiunza instead chose to remain in England on an initial one-year deal.
Born and raised in Cardiff, Tshiunza attended the same school as former Wales captain Sam Warburton. He represented Wales at age-grade level before making his senior Test debut in 2021.
However, should he agree a deal with a Welsh region for next season, it is understood Wales could potentially grant him dispensation to play before officially joining the club, provided he has signed a contract confirming his future in Wales.
Tshiunza made his Gallagher PREM debut for Sale last weekend, coming off the bench in their defeat to Bristol Bears.
