WALES INTERNATIONALS QUESTION WRU'S PLAN

WALES internationals Gareth Anscombe and Dillon Lewis have spoken out about the uncertain future around the sport as the Welsh Rugby Union's impending decision on the professional game looms.

- DYLAN JAMES Sport reporter [e-mail]

The WRU's preferred plan is to cut down to just two sides, in the biggest change to the game since the inception of the regions in 2003.

Should the WRU decide to create two east and west rugby powerhouses, it would concentrate talent but risk alienating loyal regional fans and leave many players with no place in the pro game.

Speaking on the latest Sportin Wales podcast, Wales internationals Alex Cuthbert, Gareth Anscombe and Dillon Lewis weighed in on the uncertain times ahead.

It comes as players' views are set to form an important part of the six-week consultation around the proposals, which will officially begin today.

"It will be remiss not to ask - has there been much chat among the players around this WRU plan, proposal and the consultation?," asked Cuthbert to Lewis, who has joined Dragons ahead of the new season.

Lewis said: "Obviously there has been a lot of talk amongst the players.

"Again, there is only so much of that you can control. You would've had it, we've been in God knows how many merger, crisis meetings, strikes or whatever it is over the years. The frustration is that this is all still going on.

"Ultimately all we want to concentrate on is the rugby, but there is that elephant (in the room) lingering. That is frustrating, as players all we want to do is concentrate on the rugby, there's not a lot we can control at the moment so all we can do is wait and see."