WELSH rugby could become like the Southern Hemisphere Super 12 competition at regional level predicts David Rees, pictured, Newport's new coach also in charge of the Dragons' academy.

The Welsh Rugby Union yesterday announced a huge shake-up in regional rugby at age grade level with the introduction of the WRU Reebok regional championships which will involve a monthly competition at under 16, 18 and 20 levels.

The WRU also officially announced a series of coaches to take charge of all the age group teams.

WRU general manager Steve Lewis explained: "For the first time we can provide clarity in forward planning and what we've got to do in things like nutrition and power.

"There is clear integration between regional sides, national age groups and the national senior squad.

"We've got a full fixture list for these teams and anyone who doubts the standard of regional development needs to stop reading websites and get out there and see what's going on."

Rees, the former Wales under 19s coach now with the under 21s, gives the new scheme his backing.

"I've been doing age group rugby for 14 years and tried all the different formats and the biggest problem has been bridging the age gap. The intensity has definitely increased.

"This allows development time in the clubs and quality competition once a month.

"This will underpin the boys who are not playing regularly in the premier division but are there or thereabouts."

Former Wales captain Rob Howley, said: "This will add quality to the development of the regional championships.

"Many players of my age never had the opportunity and a lot of players were lost between 18 and 21, but they have now put in place a fast track system."

Gwent coaches involved in the new set-up are Rees, Gareth Nicholas (Dragons Academy), Robert Beale (Cross Keys), Nicky Lloyd (Cross Keys), Wayne Jones (Ebbw Vale), Nigel Way (Ebbw Vale), Ian Gardner (Bedwas) and Ron Shottle (ex-Abertillery).

And heading it up is Mostyn Richards, WRU player development manager from Pontypool.