WELSH rugby's future was back in the melting pot today after the Welsh Rugby Union agreed to an extraordinary general meeting to decide on the number of clubs in the Premier Division after next season.

The Union avoided a players' strike ahead of this Saturday's Six Nations match with England by agreeing to the Gang of Six' demands for a six-team top tier.

But, under the threat of a revolt from the rest of the Welsh sides, they have agreed to a meeting on either April 7 or April 14, after the final Six Nations clash with Scotland.

Although the Union will recommend a top tier of six, such is the feeling among the rank and file that they seem likely to turn it down, leaving Welsh rugby back on the brink.

The latest moves mean that though the players will honour an agreement to face England, they could yet strike ahead of the Scotland clash.

Welsh Rugby Union chairman Glanmor Griffiths outlined Union plans at a District A (Gwent) meeting in Crumlin last night.

The overwhelming feeling among representatives was against a six-team top tier and also against the Union's decision to cave in to the threat of the players' strike.

Meanwhile the WRU have come up with proposals to slim down their own internal structure by cutting representatives from districts, schools and youth clubs.

These plans were well received by District A clubs and will be discussed, along with the Sir Tasker Watkins' working party report into Welsh rugby, at another special meeting on a date to be announced. Meanwhile the First Division and other interested clubs will discuss developments at a meeting tonight at Rumney Rugby Club.