Welsh players struggling to focus due to overhaul plans

Welsh rugby players have found it tough to concentrate on their performances this season amid the uncertainty over the future of the professional game in the country, said Ospreys coach Mark Jones.

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The Welsh Rugby Union is soon expected to announce a revamp of the domestic game, which could lead to their four franchise teams -- Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets--being cut to two.

The four regional sides were created in 2003 from the famous clubs that had formed the backbone of the Welsh game for more than 100 years but they have struggled due to dwindling finances.

To compound the gloom, Wales went on a record run of 18 consecutive test defeats before beating Japan in July, prompting a major review of the future of the game which has caused uncertainty and apprehension.