LEADING rugby stars who want to represent Wales are likely to have to play for one of the four regions in the future, if WRU proposals get the go-ahead.

Those who play outside Wales could find their international ambitions thwarted if new plans are put in place, WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis and head coach Warren Gatland said today.

They said the policy aims to "ensure our most talented players are properly developed through the four regions and in training under the national coach".

The pair said the proposals would make "the best Welsh talent available for regular and continuous training with the national squad and safeguard the proper playing development and care of those players".

The idea will be discussed with senior representatives of all four regions at the professional rugby board meeting tomorrow and put before the full board of the Welsh Rugby Union for approval on January 24.

Under the plan, the location of any international player currently contracted to a team outside Wales will not be a relevant factor.

If approved, the location of any Welsh qualified player who in the future contracts to play for a team outside Wales will be taken into account in future decisions as to selection for their country.

Lewis and Gatland said: "If that location is inconsistent with the need for players to be available for regular or continuous training, or the need to safeguard playing development and care, it will count against the players' selection."

Almost every player currently in the running for a place in Gatland's Six Nations squad, due to be announced on Monday, plays for the Newport Gwent Dragons, Llanelli Scarlets, Ospreys or Cardiff Blues.

Worcester's Chris Horsman and Gloucester's Will James have represented Wales in recent months.

Perhaps only Gloucester's Gareth Delve has a realistic chance of making this Six Nations squad - although his Kingsholm team-mate Gareth Cooper is an outside bet.

Gatland said the policy "is essential to create the best possible environment for players to work and develop through to the national team".

He said: "It will enable us to develop a new national squad training regime that is required to return the team to international competitiveness and to remain in close and constant contact with the individuals to ensure they are fully on board with the structures and systems in place to get the best out of them as Welsh internationals.

"That is vital because this is all about building Welsh international rugby for the long term and I am determined to focus on that."

Lewis said: "If adopted this new policy will enable our players to train together in the way that is so necessary and to be developed and cared for through the four regions that have the structures and systems in place to ensure that they are best placed to play at the top level.

"In turn, the four regions will benefit, helping them to develop their fan base, play great rugby and build on the success they are already achieving by bringing new talent into the game who will be future international stars."