NEWPORT Gwent Dragons appear to be the only region in Wales to favour the Welsh Rugby Union bringing in central contracts.

The issue is very much back on the agenda with the WRU keen to activate it, but they need the support of all the regions if it is to actually come in.

Opinions vary according to the success or lack of it of each region. The Dragons have come out firmly in favour while Neath Swansea Ospreys are against and Llanelli Scarlets and Cardiff Blues at best lukewarm.

WRU chief executive David Moffett is firmly in favour, believing it would bring greater stability to the game in Wales. He also wants fewer teams in the Premier Division while a drafting system of players would also probably come in.

Central contracts would result in the Union having control of players, how much they earn and how many games they play, for example.

It would also bring about the end of benefactor involvement in the game, appropriate from a Dragons point of view with Tony Brown finishing as a director at the end of the season.

But Andy Marinos, Dragons chief executive, is in favour, saying "I think central contracting would be a very positive step forward for regional rugby. It's a commom sense approach.

"I have seen it work in the South African model and that is why I am so positive about it.

"What we've got to do is negate the internal market which is pushing player prices out of control and streamline the game.

"It would also stop all the arguments between the regions and the national set-up about the use of players and how long they are away on international duty.

"And having central contracts would ensure that any foreigners coming into the game are all quality players.

"Under that system benefactors would be putting the icing on the cake rather than bankrolling the whole operation."

Ospreys director Mike Cuddy says he is happy with the way things are and the current system needs a few years to settle down while Blues chief executive Robert Norster would be surprised if central contracts happen in the short to mid term and Scarlets counterpart Stuart Gallacher doubts whether the WRU could afford to bring in central contracts.