Players' union boss Richard Harry has cast doubt over the enforceability of a radical new Wales selection policy designed to stop players leaving the country.

National coach Warren Gatland has warned that players who want to pursue lucrative club contracts outside Wales will be putting their international futures at grave risk.

The approach is similar to that employed by Gatland's native New Zealand, who do not consider any overseas-based player for the All Blacks.

European employment law is understood to have prohibited Wales from replicating that stance completely but the motivation is essentially same.

Gatland, who has the full support of Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis, wants to ensure current and future internationals remain within Wales' elite structure.

But Harry does not believe Welsh rugby has enough strength in depth for the threat to dissuade leading talents from taking up club offers in England or France.

"We all want our best players to be playing in Wales competing for places in the national team. It is a laudable thing to try and achieve but I am not entirely sure what has been suggested today will bring that about," said Harry.

"The problem the union has at the minute is lack of depth and that is precisely the reason why it won't work, certainly in the short term.

"Let us say scrum-halves Dwayne Peel and Mike Phillips both leave, I couldn't for one second think Warren Gatland wouldn't consider them for the national team. I just don't think it would happen."

To extend that example, Peel's contract expires with the Llanelli Scarlets at the end of this season and he could be in the market for a move elsewhere.

Harry told BBC Wales: "What the union are saying is something the player would need to consider but I don't think it would stop any player who was seriously considering a lucrative contract."

Some English club officials have questioned whether the WRU's proposal will even be enforceable by law.

The proposal will be discussed with senior representatives of all four regions at the Professional Rugby Board meeting today and then put before the full WRU board on January 24.

If approved the policy will be adopted immediately, although it will not include players who currently earn a living outside Wales.

The proposed policy states: "The location of any Welsh qualified player who in the future contracts to play for a team outside Wales will be taken into account in future decisions as to selection for Wales.

"If that location is inconsistent with the need for players to be available for regular or continuous training, or the need to safeguard playing development and care, it will count against the players' selection.

"The policy aims to build a secure and powerful pathway into the Welsh team which will ensure our most talented players are properly developed through the four regions and in training under the national coach."

But from a Wales perspective, Gatland is anxious to instigate immediate change following his appointment as head coach in November.

International Rugby Board regulations mean Gatland has no control over the training, development or medical care of players based outside Wales during non-Test weeks.

Gatland said: "This will enable us to develop a new national squad training regime that is required to return the team to international competitiveness.

"We will be able to remain in close and constant contact with the individuals to ensure they are fully on board with the structures and systems in place to get the best out of them as Welsh internationals.

"That is vital because this is all about building Welsh international rugby for the long term and I am determined to focus on that."

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