article_snippet: Within the group of 12 Wales coach, Warren Gatland have signed a mixture of emerging talent and players who have secured reputations for excellence through secured reputations for excellence through their appearances for their regions, Wales and the British & Irish Lions appearances for secured reputations for excellence through their appearances for their regions, Wales and the British & Irish Lions regions, Wales and the British & Irish Lions. '
article_snippet: The strength of the group of 12 is of great benefit to professional rugby in Wales and we are looking forward to working closely with the regions and these players in the years ahead.'
article_snippet: Ospreys second-row forward Jones, who captained the British & Irish Lions in their final Test victory in Australia in 2013, is the most high-profile of the new quartet to sign.
article_snippet: Wales coach Warren Gatland has been boosted by the news and looks forward to working with working closely with the regions and these players in the years ahead . '
article_snippet: For Wales coach Warren Gatland the National Dual Contract allows me to continue playing with ambition for the Ospreys and put Wales coach Warren Gatland in the best position to be selected for Wales,' Jones said. '
article_snippet: Hopefully, now a good number of players have committed to this process, there will be a clear pathway of progression for youth and regional players to perform on the international stage.'
article_snippet: Ospreys team-mate Biggar said: 'I'm thrilled to have signed an NDC and honoured to have been considered for one in the first place. '
article_snippet: After a lot of consideration it's apparent that it's in the best interests of all parties.'
article_snippet: Williams, who scored Wales try in Wales 23-16 RBS 6
article_snippet: Nations victory over Ireland last weekend, added: 'I am very grateful to all the assistance I have at the Scarlets and within the Wales coaching structure, and I am now looking forward to continuing to work as hard as I can within Welsh rugby.'
article_snippet: The announcement of the four new deals comes just three days before Wales play Italy in Rome with a chance of winning the Six Nations title, although they have ground to make up on England and Ireland on the final weekend of the championship.
article_snippet: Welsh Rugby Union Group chief executive Roger Lewis said: 'Welsh Rugby Union Group have achieved Welsh Rugby Union Group ambition of securing some of Welsh Rugby Union Group most talented players under the umbrella of National Dual Contracts. '
article_snippet: This is a landmark moment for Welsh rugby and serves as evidence of our ambition to protect and develop regional rugby while ensuring the national squad can remain competitive in the top tier of the international game.'
highlights_snippet: Coach Warren Gatland says signings are a 'great benefit' to national side .
  