At Sale scrum-half Dwayne Peel is locked in a tug-of-war between his employers and the Dragons, while 2008 IRB Player of the Year Shane Williams has attracted the attention of millionaire Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal.

But Gatland, who picked just two players based outside Wales – Sale’s Eifion Lewis-Roberts and Saracens’ Rhys Gill – in his initial 35-strong Six Nations squad, insists Hook and co. could sacrifice their shot at the 2011 World Cup by chasing foreign cash.

“There are negotiations going on at the moment and there is talk of people leaving Wales for England or France but I hope that doesn’t happen,” said Gatland.

“I would like to think that anyone who is thinking of moving will be thinking about the impact it would have on their chances of playing for Wales.

“The deal we have with the regions gives us more access to the players whereby we can work with them through the international windows.

“On the other hand foreign-based players are not available for the first international of the autumn and only get to spend three days with us anyway.

“It does make it a little bit harder for me to pick Welsh players who play outside Wales because they are not able to be part of the camp to the fullest extent.

“You don’t get an opportunity for second chances at international level, you don’t have much time with players and you need to make the most of every available moment.

“In big tournaments you have to hit the ground running or you’ll be out of contention before it has started so the time you get with players is vital.

“Therefore you are unlikely to take many risks over the players in your squad and try and select someone hoping that they will be able to gel instantly.

“You are always going to stick with players who are able to spend the most time training together.”