The 35-year-old’s contract is up at the end of this season, with his future still unclear
Taulupe Faletau has endured an injury-hit season with Cardiff(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
Cardiff are exploring a new deal for talismanic Wales No. 8 Taulupe Faletau.
The 35-year-old is out of contract at the Arms Park this summer, with it having previously looked likely he would leave after four years in the Welsh capital. However, despite an injury-hit campaign that saw the British and Irish Lion manage just 229 minutes, the Blue and Blacks seem keen to keep hold of Faletau for another season.
The club named their list of leavers on Thursday, with Faletau’s name not included – despite his exit from the Arms Park having seemed likely at one point.
It’s understood the club would like to keep Faletau – despite having previously seemed ready to not offer him a new deal.
No. 8 Mackenzie Martin, who spent this season on loan with the Dragons, was confirmed as one of Cardiff’s departures after taking up a deal in France with Beziers.
However, at this stage of the season – having completed most of their business – Cardiff will have to assess whether there’s enough room in the budget to get a deal done for Faletau.
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There’s also a chance that Faletau heads abroad.
There could be a deal in Europe on the table for the Wales legend, who might still hope to win further Wales caps.
Faletau’s last involvement with Wales was on last year’s summer tour of Japan, with the No. 8 superb in the first Test in Kitakyushu before injury ruled him out of the second.
Having made 109 appearances for his country, there’s little else for Faletau to prove in the Test arena.
However, the prospect of reaching a fourth World Cup with Wales – having played in the 2011, 2015 and 2023 tournaments – could be tempting.
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Faletau had previously been lined up for Mike Tindall’s breakaway R360 league – with the rebel competition seemingly suited to Faletau, given the toll his body has taken in recent seasons.
However, with that postponed for a couple of years, players have had to look elsewhere.
Faletau was linked with a move to France last season, before signing a new deal at Cardiff following a strong end to the season.
Nissa Rugby was the club he was linked to, with the outfit on the French Riviera boasting a strong Welsh link.
Gareth Baber is the head coach, with former Dragons coach Barry Maddocks also part of the staff.
Owen Williams and Tyler Morgan are part of the playing squad, while young Ospreys second-row Luke Fender is heading there next season.
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