ROGER Lewis has hinted for the first time that Welsh rugby may be forced to shed another region from the front-line of the professional game in Wales.
The Ospreys, Scarlets, Blues and Dragons are struggling to compete financially with some of their European rivals, and the Welsh Rugby Union's group chief executive has reportedly given the game just a year to sort itself out.
While he says he would like to keep four professional sides, finances might dictate otherwise.
"The minimum to me must be three teams," said Lewis.
"Two is far too few and four is preferable."
The Professional Regional Game Board has been set up to strengthen rugby at the top level in Wales, but the clear implication of Lewis's comments is that unless there are significant changes one of the regions could find themselves reduced to a development operation in the not-too-distant future.
That would be the most significant change to the professional structure in Wales since the Celtic Warriors were culled in 2004, leaving four regions.
The Dragons would be most vulnerable given their record as the worst performing region, though the Blues are giving them a run for their money in the results stakes this season.
In six of the past seven campaigns of league rugby, the Dragons have been the bottom-placed Welsh side. They have featured in the Amlin Challenge Cup for the past two years and they have only Zebre below them in this term's Pro12.
Even so, there are bound to be howls of complaint if one of the regions is downgraded, amid fears that another part of Welsh rugby could stagnate further, with Scotland proof that slashing numbers doesn't guarantee a miraculous transformation in fortunes.
In his interview with the Sunday Times, Lewis reportedly believes a number of measures are required for the regions to thrive in Europe and survive and thrive.
These are the changes he feels are needed:
The regions to come under central control of the WRU, with the union driving forward such matters as marketing, coaching development and the appointments of coaches and new players.
No guarantees that four regions will be kept as a professional entity. Four preferred, but not guaranteed, with increased prominence given to North Wales.
Two-speed funding package proposed in which the two most likely Welsh regions in any particular year of Heineken Cup action are given increased funding at the expense of the others.
Concentration on marketing to establish the regional game, with less money spent on marquee signings.
Attempts to stop the exodus of Welsh players to the wealthy Top 14 clubs in France.
"The Welsh Rugby Union has to take a far greater responsibility and therefore control over professional rugby within Wales," added Lewis.
"This is no criticism of the regions; this is merely my view. A successful Wales playing at the Millennium Stadium drives rugby."
MARK ORDERS
