IESTYN Harris could be the first big name player to be drafted into the Gwent side to play in European and Celtic competition from next season.

WRU/Millennium Stadium chief executive David Moffett announced last night a revised plan which would mean four regional partnerships instead of four franchises.

It makes no difference to Gwent because Newport and Ebbw Vale had already agreed to combine, but Moffett indicated last night that they, as well as Bridgend-Neath, wish to start work immediately.

One of the plans could well involve the drafting of Cardiff's Harris, pictured, to play for a Gwent team.

Their name and colours have yet to be decided, though Moffett stressed it is important in order to gain support that games should be taken around each region unless the partners agreed otherwise.

Harris would be a natural to play for Gwent for various reasons under a draft plan worked out between the team backers plus Wales coach Steve Hansen.

Harris' grandfather Norman is from Abercarn and played for Newbridge in the 1940s in the centre, also captaining them in the first season after the war, all of which gives Iestyn a pretty good qualification.

On top of that Harris has close links with Newport chairman David Watkins - the pair even met yesterday - from rugby league.

Harris is rugby league's most prominent convert to union and Watkins captained Great Britain in both codes.

But crucially, the Gwent team would be short of outside halves whereas the Cardiff-Pontypridd team would have Harris, Neil Jenkins, Ceri Sweeney and Nicky Robinson all available.

That means Harris could be drafted to play for Gwent. He is still finding his way in union, his Wales path blocked by Stephen Jones, though possessing exciting potential as a genuine playmaker.

Moffett's revised plan will probably allow for only two non-Welsh players in a squad, including English players.

With Percy Montgomery sure to be one it means there could be room for only one more non-Welsh player from Newport and Ebbw Vale in the Gwent squad.

Moffett said Cardiff owner Peter Thomas is prepared to talk to Pontypridd about forming a new partnership.

That leaves Llanelli, who will probably refuse to join with Swansea under the new plan.

But Moffett pulled a rabbit out of the hat when he revealed Llanelli are £2.3m in debt to the WRU.

"I would like to think Llanelli will look at this in the light of what is best for Welsh rugby and develop a partnership with Swansea.

"The question of debt is interesting," added Moffett referring to Llanelli's reluctance to take over Swansea's debt.

"The last time I looked Llanelli were in debt to the tune of over £2.3m, so there is debt all over the place."

And in a clear reference to Llanelli and their chief executive Stuart Gallacher, Moffett said: "Rugby in Wales is bigger than one club or one person.

"But if Llanelli don't agree they will have an opportunity to state their case at the egm.

"The early indications are that this will be well received by a good percentage of the 239 clubs."

Moffett indicated the WRU will have a golden share in the four partnerships and dual contracts, rather than central contracts, will operate.

With the World Cup dominating the first half of next season there will be a minimum 16 top flight provincial games, 10 in the Celtic League and at least six in the Heineken Cup.