THERE will be no 'Wales only' policy adopted while Steve Hansen remains in charge of the national team for the rest of this season.

New Scotland coach Matt Williams has said he wants to bring in a policy of having all squad members back playing in their home country.

He believes that is the best way to make progress and stiffen domestic competitions. It has caused controversy north of the border, and not everyone agrees with it.

Hansen says he won't be doing that here, though ideally he would like every Welsh player playing in Wales.

"If it comes down to a choice between two guys who are of similar ability, I'd take the local player," he said.

"But if there is a really good player elsewhere and you didn't pick him, then you'd be cutting off your nose to spite your face."

Wales captain Colin Charvis is, of course, playing in France for Second Division side Tarbes at the moment.

And number eight Alix Popham, formerly with Newport, is with Zurich Premiership Leeds.

Prop Ceri Jones, another ex-Newport player, who scored his sixth try in seven games to clinch a last gasp victory for Harlequins at Newcastle on Sunday, is also an exile.

Hansen has now received a tape of Jones in action for the Quins from their chief coach Mark Evans, after the Argus revealed last week it was on its way.

Hansen is also well aware of how well Dragons centre Hal Luscombe is playing after an indifferent season last year.

"We're keeping track of him and I'm pleased with the way he's playing," said the Wales coach.

Hansen will tomorrow announce a preliminary Wales training squad of 40 players for the Six Nations Championship.

He has already said he will give his World Cup squad first option after the success they enjoyed in Australia.

But there will be around 10 'outsiders' brought in, among them Dragons lock Michael Owen who marked his first start for his new side with two tries against The Borders last Friday.

"All the guys who went will feature, but a group of guys will come in on top of that, around 10 or 12," said Hansen.