WALES coach Steve Hansen says the £3m financial boost for the country's academies is "another piece in the jigsaw which is the future of Welsh rugby".

And he predicts the influx of young talent that will result, together with the new system of regional rugby, will improve playing standards at international level.

"The key to success is getting the system right and getting the funding to support it. If you do that you will produce the players," said Hansen.

"We don't have the numbers of rugby players in this country as in others so it's important we maximise the athleticism of those we do have.

"This money will allow us to do the things we need to do.

"It's important we identify talent as soon as we possibly can, nurture it and grow it in the Academies so that we eventually have more players coming through at the top end.

"We must put aside the mistakes of the past. It's not about playing huge amounts of games. It's about improving fitness, athleticism and skill levels."

He added: "There's light at the end of the tunnel, every day a little bit more light.

"There's no quick fix but I'm sure we'll see better results and better performances from the regional teams, though I'm sure there will be the odd hiccup.

"But every day we'll get better and what the teams learn this season will make them better next season and so on.

"I'm very confident we'll see some very competitive teams and the fact that many have been boosted by players returning form England is a very positive sign.

"There's definitely excitement among the players about regional rugby. Players know they have to raise standards to get into the regional set-ups and it will sort out the wheat from the chaff.

"People will now be paid in genuine fashion and not just for turning up.

"The feedback I've been getting through from the regions is that the work ethic in particular is totally different. That in itself will improve standards.

"There is still a little bit of politics in some areas, but the players are getting on with things.

"It's important that the academies now support the semi-professional tier so that they in turn can supply quality players to the regional teams and in turn to the national sides.

"Young people will grasp the handle of change quicker than anyone else because they are not branded by history. This was shown towards the end of last season when a number of young players were given the chance at the highest level and we saw some exciting rugby."