The 27-year-old signed for the new southern hemisphere franchise back in March - a move which rules him out of next year's RBS Six Nations due to fixture clashes.

Gatland has since taken that a step further and confirmed that Delve would not be selected for Wales' summer internationals with South Africa and New Zealand.

But despite the current Gloucester No.8's appearances now seeming to be limited, Gatland insists he could still return for next year's World Cup in New Zealand.

“Going to play in the Super 16 could potentially make him a better player,” said Gatland. “It is something we can keep an eye on.

"”All bets could be off for the World Cup - we could be in a situation where we say let's get the best possible squad we can irrespective of where people are playing in World Cup year.

“He knew what was at stake but he decided that he had a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in the Super 15 and took it.

“In the next year or so, if he is playing outstandingly well going to play for Melbourne would exclude him from being in our World Cup squad,

“It is up to him to put himself in the spotlight - that is the challenge - and if we really get ourselves into a bind we could call him up.”