There have been strengths to the policy which has helped in keeping internationals like Mason Grady, Rio Dyer and Teddy Williams at professional clubs in Wales.

But with Hawkins unavailable for selection, Gatland believes the Wales national team are at a disadvantage.

"We all - the union and the regions - are finding it difficult financially and there's only one team being punished for that rule and that's us," said Gatland.

"We'd love to have someone of Joe's ability and give him the opportunity to have more Test matches.

"But unfortunately, we're restrained by the regulations within the union at the moment."

The Professional Rugby Board (PRB), which is made up of representatives from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and the regions, would have to allow Hawkins to be given a special dispensation for him to be available for selection. The other way would be if the rule was scrapped altogether.

The decision to lower the amount of required caps from 60 to 25 was part of the negotiations in February 2023 between the WRU and the players.

It came at a time when the national squad was considering going on strike for the Six Nations home match against England, a threat that was eventually averted.

Gatland admitted the PRB and the union would have to change any decision now on the 25-cap rule and joked "maybe the players can go on strike again!"

It was a serious point he was highlighting and one that will continue to be debated as the WRU prepares to launch a new strategy later this year.