'Change has to happen... but I feel for the players' - Williams

As Wales' four professional rugby sides prepare for their first preseason fixtures this weekend, players based across the Severn Bridge may be feeling quietly relieved - far from the uncertainty and turmoil threatening the professional game back home.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby correspondent [e-mail]

There is a level of uncertainty within the professional game in Wales not seen since the inception of regional rugby in 2003 after the Welsh Rugby Union recently announced its preference is to reduce the number of clubs from four to two.

This could change by the end of the consultation process but as it stands the livelihoods of players in Wales, especially those who are not established internationals, are on the line.

Wales scrumhalf Tomos Williams has just been named captain of Gloucester and concedes there does need to be change but that doesn't stop him worrying for some of his friends back home.

"I am keeping one eye on it. I've got a lot of mates still playing in Wales, at Cardiff and the other regions," said the 30-year-old, who is back running after a hamstring injury suffered with the British & Irish Lions.

"I care about Wales and care about those boys, so hopefully they can get it sorted pretty soon.

"It's not a nice position to be in for a lot of those boys.

"It's the uncertainty of what is going to happen.