Cutting two regions best option - WRU

The Welsh Rugby Union insists cutting the number of professional clubs from four to two is the "radical step" needed to save the game in Wales.

The governing body has unveiled its controversial plan for the future of the elite game that puts Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets at risk.

Among four models being considered is the "optimal choice" of halving the number of professional teams, but with no detail on where they would play.

"We know how emotional rugby is and that people will be hurting when thinking about what this could mean for their team," said chief executive Abi Tierney.

"Not everyone is going to be happy but I dont think carrying on as we are is the right thing for fans either.

"We had to do something radically different to get us to a better place and that everyone can get behind and we hope people will step out of their corner."

The options for professional clubs are:

The WRU has not indicated their preferred locations for clubs or names and insist no decision has yet been made.

The timescale for any changes will be dictated by the chosen option.

More to follow