FEARS are growing more top players will continue to follow the exodus to France after the departure of Scarlets skipper Jonathan Davies to leading Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne.

Yesterday it was revealed the classy 25-year-old centre would be leaving at the end of the season to join the 2013 Heineken Cup finalists, teaming up with fellow Wales and British and Irish Lions star Lee Byrne.

Respected player agent Derwyn Jones commented on 2012 Grand Slam winner Davies’ departure, and the wrangle surrounding the future of the northern hemisphere’s premier club tournament, by writing on Twitter: “No shock as another player leaves @WelshRugbyUnion in light of the current European dispute and lack of progress in signing our top players.”

Top French clubs are also looking to swoop for Six Nations player of the season and Lions man of the series Leigh Halfpenny as well as Wales captain Sam Warburton when they are out of contract next year.

A number of leading Welsh players are already on highly lucrative contracts across the English Channel with outside-half/centre James Hook and lock Luke Charteris both at Perpignan, centre Jamie Roberts and back row forward Dan Lydiate with ambitious Parisians Racing Métro this season while big winger George North has left the Scarlets to be with Aviva Premiership side Northampton Saints.

But Wales attack coach Rob Howley insisted the Welsh Rugby Union aren’t powerless to stop the player drain and adamant the body set up by his bosses and the four regions to run the game in Wales can be used to good effect.

The Professional Regional Game Board (PRGB) was created last year to oversee top flight rugby in the wake of a critical report by accountants PwC.

“I'm led to believe there've been very honest and open discussions within the PRGB,” Howley said.

“I've come away very encouraged about those discussions. Timing is everything in sport. “Decisions have to be made and players want to make those decisions quite early when they are out of contract. You can understand that. It gives them financial stability. But from what I’m led to believe, that isn’t Jon’s first and foremost reasoning for moving.”

Howley also said how Davies – who could miss next year’s Six Nations with a pectoral injury – has secured ‘full release’ for Wales’ future autumn series games but admitted his departure was ‘a blow’ for the national game: “He will be sorely missed. I have spoken to Jon over the last couple of months and been aware of the decision he was going to make.

"I am aware he is a very ambitious player. He wants to be part of a winning team, winning medals, and obviously he has gone to a side that he feels is going to be right up there in European rugby.

"He has got full release, similar to Jamie Roberts and Dan Lydiate, so in terms of his availability to play for Wales in an autumn series he would be fully available.”