Wales are in line for a major boost, with one of their key players reportedly keen to remain in the country despite interest from Gallagher PREM clubs.
RUCK understands that Cardiff back row Taine Basham wants to stay with the Welsh region, despite reported interest from both Saracens and Bristol Bears.
Although no agreement has yet been reached over a contract extension, the player's preference is to remain at Cardiff, making a departure across the border increasingly unlikely.
A move to England would also have put his international future at risk, with Basham currently falling short of the Welsh Rugby Union's 25-cap eligibility rule.
The 26-year-old has been named in Steve Tandy's Wales squad for the Nations Championship, although he has not featured for his country since the 2024 Six Nations.
Basham joined Cardiff ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, having begun his professional career with the Dragons.
He quickly established himself on the international stage, scoring twice off the bench on his Wales debut against Canada in 2021 before starting all four autumn internationals later that year.
He went on to represent Wales at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and was also included in the squad for the 2024 Six Nations.
Under the WRU's 25-cap rule, players based outside Wales must have earned at least 25 senior international caps to remain eligible for selection.
Basham currently has 17, leaving him eight short of the required total.
Wales have nine fixtures between now and next summer, meaning he would need to feature in almost every game to reach the threshold. That is far from guaranteed given the competition for places in Tandy's back row.
With Japan, New Zealand and Australia awaiting Wales this autumn, Basham will be hoping to make the most of his opportunity and force his way back into the international picture.
A strong campaign could prove crucial as he looks to cement his place in the squad ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
