A tug of war, clubs on alert and a scouting mission...
Despite the financial troubles in Wales, there's still room for business as the Welsh clubs go in search of reinforcements
With only four months left of the rugby season, clubs and agents are working hard to finalise contracts with players.
All four professional clubs in Wales - Cardiff, Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets - are also busy putting together squads which they hope can be competitive next season.
It's true times are tough in Welsh rugby with playing budgets dropping to as low as £4.5m, along with two marquee players. But that hasn't stopped clubs in Wales from doing their best to sign up players who they believe can strengthen their squads for next season.
And while completed deals for next season are few and far between across the four sides, that doesn’t mean the wheels aren’t turning to get things in place…
Tug of war over Wales star
Taine Basham is weighing up his future and the Dragons face a battle to hold on to the Wales back-rower.
WalesOnline understands the 24-year-old has held talks with the Scarlets, while there has also been interest from Sale Sharks, Northampton Saints and Saracens. One complication for Basham is he falls short of the 25 caps required to carry on playing for Wales if he were to move across the Severn Bridge.
When one takes into account the current economic climate, the Dragons did exceptionally well to stave off interest from a host of English clubs to retain the services of Wales pair Aaron Wainwright and Rio Dyer.