NIGEL Davies, the Welsh Rugby Union's new head of rugby development, promises to examine the relationship between the four regions and the Premiership clubs.

At the moment only two fully fledged regional players are allowed to appear for a Premiership club, but Davies believes that should be doubled or even trebled.

The aim is to get regional players who are part of big squads but rarely play out on the field.

"The Premiership is a concern. You can only put two regional players down and that is a nonsense. We need players to play and we are in control of the situation so we've got to manage that better," said the former Wales caretaker coach.

"It's vitally important that we address this, it's an area we've got to look at. We can't have a problem with players not playing because of politics.

"Over the next three months we are going to look at this, the Academies and everything else and produce a strategic plan so that we have a clear view long term, medium and short term.

"It's vitally important that people understand what we are trying to deliver because they can be confused by what goes on and by who does what.

"People have got to see us moving forward though there is a longer term objective where younger players, eight-year-olds, who are being coached by the least experienced coaches which is wrong."

WRU chairman David Pickering appeared to pour cold water on the idea of bringing central contracts in as a way of solving some of the problems besetting the Welsh regions.

"We have been successful in retaining Welsh players in our system, and it beggars the question if we had central contracts at what cost would it be?" he asked.

"It's easy to say it, but try doing it. Ireland (where there are central contracts) get massive tax breaks so we've got to be very careful. I don't agree with it.

"It's quite likely we'll see the four regional teams with the best facilities, new stadia and keeping the best players in Wales."

Roger Lewis added, "The connection with regional rugby is critical, as is their relationship with Graeme Maw, Warren Gatland and Nigel Davies.

"We have discussed central contracts, but we have got to come up with a model which makes sense.

"We're working with the regions, we met last week and we will again next week."