Paul Tully (Gwent Argus)

MANY of Wales' Premier Division clubs are up in arms over Welsh Rugby Union plans to reduce the division from 16 to 12 from the season after next without, they claim, consultation.

They say WRU chiefs have reneged on promises to consult them over proposed changes and that the Union board are set to rubber stamp a decision on July 28.

The clubs have called a special meeting at Aberavon next Tuesday (6pm) to consider the WRU moves and are inviting WRU chief executive David Moffett and chairman David Pickering to attend. But a WRU spokesman today claimed Union general manager Steve Lewis had consulted various clubs including Newport, Ebbw Vale, Swansea and Llanelli and would consult the others and that a final decision had not been taken.

One club official, who declined to be named at this stage, is threatening to turn his back on Welsh rugby over the issue.

"I don't know if there's any point in continuing when you can't rely on the integrity of Welsh Rugby Union officials," he said.

Under proposals it is also understood the First Division will be split in two and regionalised.

Premier Division clubs chairman, Cross Keys secretary Chris Clarke, said: "I can confirm there will be a meeting next Tuesday at Aberavon to discuss issues of concern to the Premier Division."

Clarke said he believed the general view of the Premier Division clubs was that they wanted the division left at 16.

A Premier Division club official told the Argus: "Both Steve Lewis and David Moffett (WRU group chief executive) promised they would consult the clubs over any proposals to reduce the division.

"We have been told by people within the WRU that a decision to do so was taken at a meeting in London and that it is to be ratified by the WRU board on July 28.

"The clubs as a whole are not in favour of a reduction. We believe we require 15 meaningful home fixtures to be able to sell season tickets and to remain financially viable.

"Some club coaches may see the proposals as beneficial for the game but they are not the people who have to ensure the clubs remain sound financially."

The official added: "If the proposals go through we don't know if four clubs will be relegated or whether it will be six with two promoted from Division One.

"But if there is no promotion from Division One at the end of this season, how will those clubs feel who have spent above budget to try to gain Premier status?"

A reduction in Premier numbers has always been on the cards and under strict new criteria due to be brought in next season regarding ground capacity, grandstand seating, covered terracing and other facilities, it is inevitable some clubs will lose Premier Division status.

But the clubs were consulted on and agreed to that criteria and that has not happened this time.

Meanwhile, it is understood the WRU will shortly announce fixtures and sponsors for the Premier Division this season.

I think its in the leagues best interest to be at a decent standard rather than a mass nothing, no offence meant to anyone but the playing standards are not great. My issue is with Cardiff, Newport, Llanelli, Neath & Swansea playing in the league those teams by and large use the Premiership as a breeding ground for their academy players and most of the support follows the Superclub/"Regional Side".

There are plenty of good players in the league who are around 22-25 and have the potential to play at a higher level but there are prevented by the regions desire to sign a stop gap foreigner who is proven rather than risk someone taking the step up. Reducing the step up will give players more of a chance of making it.

I personally hope the WRU have thought these proposals through, however I doubt it and we could have another civil war on the cards.