Davies lost his Wales starting spot in the autumn Tests

"A lot of players in the Welsh squad were forced to look for contracts in England and France," said Davies.

The 33-year-old, 34-cap man was left without a full-time deal in Wales after the collapse of the Celtic Warriors and he joined Gloucester a year ago.

Davies lost his Wales starting spot to the Blues' Rhys Thomas in the autumn.

The Nantgaredig-born player, an important part of last season's Grand Slam success, remains in the national squad as second choice.

The selectors can see all the games from England and France on TV Mefin Davies

But it has been rumoured that his age and the fact that he plays outside Wales could see him slip down the pecking order.

"At the end of the day I was left in a situation where it was only the Ospreys that came in in last minute with an opportunity," said Davies.

"All the [Welsh] regions had the opportunity of having my services but it wasn't to be when the Celtic Warriors disbanded.

"That was a financial decision and had nothing to do with the national selectors.

"The most important thing is that I am playing with Gloucester. The selectors can see all the games from England and France on TV, so that cannot be used as an excuse."

Before agreeing to join the Cherry and Whites, Davies turned down an attractive deal with Stade Francais because he would have been forced to quit his international career.

A club v country row involving Sale Sharks has recently put Mark Taylor's Wales future in doubt.

And departing Welsh Rugby Union group executive David Moffett has warned that professional rugby will be dead in the Celtic nations within five years unless English and French clubs change their business models.