The Ospreys have confirmed the signing of flanker Dan Lydiate on a dual contract with the WRU, after he was released from his contract with Racing Métro in early November.

He is the second player to sign up to one of the WRU’s dual contracts, after national captain and fellow back-row star Sam Warburton. Lydiate will begin training with the region this weekend and will be available for selection after the conclusion of the European weekend.

Under the terms of the Rugby Services Agreement players are expected to return to their region of origin – the Dragons, in Lydiate’s case – but the flanker wanted to move to the Ospreys for family reasons and got the all clear from his former employers before confirming the move.

Lydiate is one of twelve players who had been offered dual contracts over the autumn internationals, and others are expected to be confirmed in due course after contractual issues are sorted out.

Lydiate said: “I am delighted to have secured a National Dual Contract and I am looking forward to doing my best for The Ospreys while I aim to win selection for Wales. Having a National Dual Contract gives me the certainty I need for my future and I will now be able to concentrate one hundred per cent on my rugby.

“I enjoyed my time with Racing Metro but this is the right move for me as I want to achieve my full potential as a player based here in Wales.”

Wales coach Warren Gatland added: “This is an important step forward for Welsh rugby and will reap rewards in playing standards over the long term. Any player on a National Dual Contract will remain in Wales with a Region where their development and welfare can be monitored by me and my national squad coaches and conditioners.

“I want to personally thank the staff from each of the four Regions for their help in getting the National Dual Contracts up and running. We can now focus on ensuring all our best young players realise the best way for them to realise their talent in full is to stay in Wales under the new structure we have created.”

The WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: “This is a landmark day for Welsh rugby and I am grateful to all involved for the level of cooperation this signifies. National Dual Contracts will help us keep international class talent here in Wales available for Regional rugby and for international selection.

“The WRU has been actively attempting to introduce National Dual Contracts for some two and a half years so securing Dan as a National Dual Contract player is a significant step forward.”