MICHAEL Owen checked with Wales boss Warren Gatland that crossing the border to sign up with Saracens wouldn't affect his international aspirations and after getting the green light he intends making it impossible to ignore him.

The former Newport Gwent Dragons skipper sealed his move to England today, as revealed in the Argus, and signed a two-year-deal at Vicarage Road.

But the back-row flanker, 27, will not be the first casualty of the WRU's policy to favour those playing at home after a quick call to Gatland.

Owen will be treated in the same way as Dwayne Peel, who was pardoned for his move to Sale Sharks because negotiations were in progress before the new stance.

"I did consider whether the move would affect the chances of me representing Wales because that has always been what I've wanted since I was a kid," said Owen, who has won 41 caps, five as skipper.

"But I rang Warren Gatland when the announcement was made about the WRU's stance, explained my situation and he said that he wouldn't discriminate against me.

"Obviously I missed out on the squad for the Six Nations but I hope that this move will help me develop as a player and make it hard to leave me out in the future.

"It's a big chance for me to impress and I know that if I'm playing well in England that I will get notice. With Dwayne playing there along with other players and Shaun Edwards (Wales defence coach) with Wasps I know that I won't drop off the radar.

"I'm going to be in a competitive environment at Saracens and that can only improve me. Then it will be about making it impossible to leave me out."

Owen will move at the end of the season, packing down behind the formidable second row partnership of All Black Chris Jack and England lock Steve Borthwick, and will need to stand up to the phyical rigours of the Guinness Premiership.

But before heading to north London he will be bidding to strengthen the Dragons' Magners League position as a parting gift for those at Rodney Parade.

He said: "It was a big wrench for me to leave the Dragons because I've really enjoyed my time here. The fans, coaches and other players have been brilliant and I will keep giving my all until the end of the season.

"But the opportunity was so great that I couldn't let it go. It was a big decision to move my family but with my contract ending at the Dragons it was probably my last chance to experience rugby in another country.

"I spoke to a lot of players about making a move and lots said they didn't take their chance and have regretted it ever since."