Welsh game gets huge shake-up

WELSH rugby is getting a radical overhaul of its club game in the biggest restructuring since 2003.

The new system will see regional Under-23 sides introduced, while the funding for the Welsh Premiership will be slashed from £90,000 to £50,000.

The league will also be cut from 16 teams to 12 and there will be a cross-border Under-23 competition.

It is hoped the structural overhaul will bridge the gap between semiprofessional and regional rugby.