WELSH Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett believes the final agreement on the future of Welsh rugby will be signed within three weeks.

A deal on five regional teams to take part in future Heineken Cups and the Celtic League plus the financing was agreed on Tuesday.

There was also agreement on each of the new teams' rugby charters, which involves board make-up, WRU representation etc.

But items such as the coaches, squads and team names have still to be finalised.

Moffett said: "We are in unanimous agreement on the way forward and are now able to plan with confidence. We will meet very quickly with the clubs and the players.

Compromise has been the way forward, but a compromise all sides are able to live with in the interests of Welsh rugby as a whole.

"We can now get on with improving the standard of playing, the professional game and the regathering of support at the grass roots.

"The rugby charter was the subject of very detailed discussion and once again we've reached agreement.

"What we have to do now is to extrapolate that into a full agreement, but we don't anticipate any problems.

"There is a lot of work to be done behind closed doors and we want to get on with it.

"It is a relief that we've found a way forward together. It has been very difficult. I think most people have really had enough of the endless debate."

Premier clubs spokesman Derrick King commented: "It's a huge relief to have reached an agreement. It's like a weight off our shoulders.

"In Wales we are very parochial. We've got traditions and a lot of people have had to give up a lot of things. There's been a lot of pain, but we recognise this is the way forward now.

"You will see all systems go in the next week or two and huge strides made towards the formation of five regions."

European Rugby Cup Ltd. (ERC) have accepted Wales' five regional teams into European competition.