>> Moriarty in hot demand
BRITISH LIONS flanker Ross Moriarty is set to become the subject a tug-of-war between a host of clubs on either side of the Welsh border. The former England U20 back rower is out of contract with Gloucester at the end of next season and this looks set to be his last campaign at Kingsholm. He rejected the offer of a new deal at the club towards the end of last year and appears to have made up his mind that he is going to leave. Moriarty, 23, who has played for the Cherry and Whites since 2012, was the subject of interest from Northampton Saints earlier in the summer. Saints looked to him after they discovered Louis Picamoles would walk out on the club and join Montpellier – but Gloucester refused to sell. I understand that Saints are still interested in talking to the Wales star who can also play at No.8, when they are allowed to do so in January.
Saints are not the only Premiership club who are showing an interest in signing Moriarty, with Wasps looking to strengthen their squad.
But the Premiership clubs might find that they are in for a battle with his name appearing on the shopping list of a couple of Welsh regions.
Wales coach Warren Gatland is keen for him to play under the control the Welsh Union and the Blues and Scarlets would like to sign him up.
Moriarty is currently recovering from the back injury that he suffered in the opening match of the Lions tour against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians.
The WRU have been keen to sign Moriarty onto a central contract for the last couple of years and would not have to wait until the New Year to have talks with him.