Welsh rugby enters critical phase

Welsh rugby's bitter battle about the future of its professional game will tonight enter a critical phase.

The Welsh Rugby Union's 27-member general committee is due to debate proposals put forward by WRU group chief executive David Moffett and Wales' top clubs.

Moffett's recommendation is for the introduction of four regional teams to represent Wales in Heineken Cup and Celtic League competitions.

The clubs though, want to retain their base, forming so-called super clubs, with Llanelli and Cardiff reportedly standing alone, while mergers elsewhere would see Newport and Ebbw Vale combine in Gwent, Bridgend and Pontypridd join forces and Neath link with Swansea.