Welsh Rugby Union CEO Roger Lewis has launched a scathing attack on the "vultures" who are recruiting Wales' top players.
This follows Wales flanker Dan Lydiate's announcement that he would be leaving the Dragons at the end of this season with his likely destination being a Top 14 club.
Lydiate will follow fellow Wales internationals Mike Phillips, James Hook, Lee Byrne, Luke Charteris and Huw Bennett to France as well as Jamie Roberts who is set to join Racing Metro.
Lewis said Welsh rugby was under attack, with big-name players being picked off "like pieces of meat."
He said the exodus will be one of the main issues tackled by the new organisation set up by the WRU and the four regions to administer the game in Wales.
The Professional Regional Game Board (PRGB) was established to oversee professional rugby in the wake of a report into the regional game by an accountanting firm.
"These are tough economic times in Wales and Welsh rugby is under attack," Lewis told Walesonline.
"The vultures have been circling for months, picking off Welsh players like pieces of meat.
"The announcement by the WRU and the four regions of the creation of the PRGB means that we will work together to tackle this issue.
"I am particularly concerned about the role played by agents in this player-drain from Wales."
Despite Lewis' annoyance over the departures of the Six Nations Champions' top players, Wales tighthead prop Adam Jones admitted that he may also be leaving his country to further his career abroad.
Jones stressed he is happy at the Ospreys and will remain at the Liberty Stadium until the end of next season when his current contract expires.
But, when asked whether he could end up going to France, he said it was something he would consider.
"I don't know, it is something I will have to think about," said the 31-year-old.
"I have another year left on my contract after this and obviously if you go on the Lions tour and do well then you put yourself in the shop window.
"There are so many things you have to think about, especially when you have a young family, but I know James Hook has gone out to Perpignan and loved it.
"I would never say never, though at the moment I am happy with the Ospreys.
"I think we have gone about things in the right way in the last couple of years."
Adding further concern to Welsh rugby is the prospect of losing Dragons number eight Toby Faletau at the end of next season.
Boss Rob Beale admits the region faces a challenge to keep hold of their international.
"Fortunately Toby is contracted for next year but I'm sure we will face similar challenges when [he comes] out of contract," Beale told BBC Sport.
"It's what's happening in professional rugby, and it's what's always happened if we are honest, but it is more prevalent at this moment."
Comments
NHsaints says...
I don't see why Wales are complaining...with some of their top players moving to play in better setups they'll actually get in the habit of winning games (which is something that doesn't come easily if you're playing for the dragons).
Posted 18:12 06th December 2012
mew2000 says...
Hey wales should take it as a plus for some of their players are good enough for top teams wanting them to play for there teams... it's been happening to the abs,boks etc....
Posted 18:04 06th December 2012
melkdave says...
Just who is he to deny anyone a good living,Sportsmen/women have a short profesional life,in which they need to make a living and provide for their future.If welsh clubs cant pay for their players ,thats hardly anyone elses fault.Players will go where they can make the best of their short carreer prospects its as simply as that.Vultures he needs to grow up and stop putting his head in the sand.Central contracts costing £3.5 million is all it would have taken to stop this .But the WRU as usual want to blame others rather than spend some cash .FOOLS and IDIOTS at the top of welsh rugby atm .SACK THE BLOODY LOT
Posted 17:49 06th December 2012
jontheref says...
I am sure if the players were as finally secure as Roger lewis, and had the sort of pension pot he has, they would be willing to stay with whoever.
Theydon't, they have a relatively short career, so good luck to them.
What the WRU needs to do,is embrace the palyers palying hwerethey like, and make sure they have advice on their contracts.
That would be pro active, not reactive as they always appear to be.
Posted 17:42 06th December 2012
nabberuk says...
how about sorting the regions out, players might not leave then!
Always someone else's fault!!
Posted 16:41 06th December 2012
kybone says...
Its alright complaining about it all the time. Give the players a reason to stay!
Posted 16:03 06th December 2012