Wales' record cap holder Gareth Llewellyn says he insisted on being allowed to play for his country before signing for French side Narbonne. "They (Narbonne) initially wanted me to give up international rugby, but I fought hard against that," the 35-year-old lock told BBC Sport Wales.
"They eventually agreed it benefited the club to have an international.
"I'll give (Wales coach) Mike Ruddock everything I have for another year then we'll reassess things."
Llewellyn, who broke Neil Jenkins' record of 87 caps in the first Test against Argentina last month and went on to play all three tour games, feels that the move can help give him a new lease of life.
"When you go to a new club you have to prove yourself all over again and win respect," he said.
"That happened when I went to Harlequins and again when I moved back to Neath.
 |  I hope that all the problems are behind Welsh rugby |
"I had a number of options in England and France, but decided that Narbonne was the best to go for. "We've seen how good French rugby is and I intend testing myself against the best for the next year or two.
"Having already played in the Zurich Premiership and Celtic League I will have played in all the major leagues in Europe.
"It's the chance to live in a different country, experience the culture and to find out about their approach to rugby."
Llewellyn, whose family will remain in Cardiff, was left without an option in Wales when the Ospreys transfer listed him in February, leaving him to spend the rest of the season training with feeder-club Swansea.
He insists, though, that he leaves the west Glamorgan regional team with no hard feelings.
"Both sides want to move on and both have their plans for next year," said Llewellyn.
"I hope that all the problems are behind Welsh rugby now that we have reduced it to four regional sides.
"They have all strengthened their squads since the demise of the Celtic Warriors, so now it's just up to them to produce the results."
MMIX
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