THE Welsh regions are keeping their powder dry amid the European rugby split that could see two tournaments being played next season, writes Chris Kirwan.

Regional Rugby Wales - the body representing Newport Gwent Dragons, Cardiff Blues, the Ospreys and the Scarlets – will meet next week to discuss Thursday's announcement made in Dublin.

The Welsh, Irish, Scottish, Italian and French unions – but not the RFU – met and then declared that there will be a 20-team Heineken Cup next season.

The English will not participate and will plough ahead for with plans for the Rugby Champions Cup, claiming that they have the support of France's clubs and Wales' regions.

The French hold the key as without them the Heineken Cup would be just an unattractive tournament comprising RaboDirect Pro12 teams and other European minnows.

Aviva Premiership chief executive Mark McCafferty said: "This is about a group of unions taking a stand but I don't think their plans are sustainable and I don't think the French and Welsh sides will feel any differently."

The regions have NOT signed up to the Heineken Cup and are yet to agree a new participation agreement with the Union.

They had previously given their backing to the RCC but the WRU appear to have ruled that out.

The quartet can either follow the Union or go down the rebel route – which would require places in the Aviva Premiership along with RCC rugby.