Jonathan Davies believes Welsh rugby is winning the fight to keep its best talent from crossing the borders.
The Wales and Lions centre could play his first game back in regional rugby on Saturday, having rejoined the Scarlets following two years in France with Clermont Auvergne.
Davies, 28, was part of the great exodus that left Wales for France and England when the civil war between the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions was at its most intense.
But he believes a combination of dual contracts, and the difficulty of trying to combine Test rugby for Wales with playing club rugby in France, is lessening the appeal.
“Last season in France was a tough slog last, especially for boys who play international rugby,” says Davies, who may start on the bench against Munster, now he is one of 16 dual contract players whose game time is strictly monitored. A number of others will be held back altogether.
“What I found difficult, and I knew it was going to happen, was travelling back to France in between international games; Clermont wasn’t the easiest place to get to and you might be catching two flights and a train. For me, I was glad they (Wales and Scarlets) wanted me back and happy to make that decision.
“I was grateful for the experience (in Clermont), but at the end of the day Welsh boys want to play international rugby and you have play for your region to be in the best position to play international rugby.”
Davies is one of only two Scarlets who have signed dual deals, along with second row Jake Ball. The selection of those chosen remains opaque and it seems difficult to fathom why his fellow international centre Scott Williams is on a club-only deal.
Their game time is supposed to be restricted to 16 regional matches a season, giving them the possibility of playing 13 Tests for a total of 29 matches.
But the players who have signed view the figures as negotiable and Davies adds: “Yes, the boys on NDCs (national dual contracts) get looked after, but at the end of the day I am a rugby player and won’t be shying away,” he insisted.
“But when you are getting on a little bit, it is all about maintenance and putting yourself in a good place. Being back here is the right decision for me.
“When I left there was uncertainly between the regions and the union, so for me to leave at that point was the right time and I feel I am coming back with the region in a much better place.
“The improvement here has been good to see and I have really enjoyed working with the coaches so far and am excited about the group of players we have and what we can achieve this year.
“Speaking to the boys during the Six Nations last season, you can tell there is more of an edge and a want to go on and push for silverware.
“Being involved previously, you can see there is a big improvement in the working week, the standards that are set by the coaches — the players have to drive that now.”
For once, Davies has been overshadowed this summer by younger brother James who won a silver medal for Great Britain as part of the Sevens squad at the Rio Olympics.
Davies senior was there to see it and now wants to play alongside James for the first time in their careers.
“It was a great experience. As a family we went out there and it was great to support him.
“I thought he was outstanding, even in my career it was one of the best rugby experiences I have had, supporting my brother in the Olympics.
“I was chuffed to bits for him. He has had a very good couple of years and where he has come from, he thoroughly deserves it.
“We have never played together. I have said that before I retire, whether it be for the Scarlets, or whether it be for Whitland or Laugharne, I would like to play with him.
“That looks like it is going to happen for the Scarlets. We will probably be at each other’s throats, not the opposition’s, but it is something I am looking forward to.”