The new approach to selection will make the best Welsh talent available for regular and continuous training with the national squad and will safeguard the proper player development and care of internationals and potential internationals.

The policy will now go before the full board of the Welsh Rugby Union on January the 24th to seek approval for it to be introduced immediately.

In the strategy discussed today by the Professional Rugby Board, which includes representatives of the WRU and all four regions, current international or potential international players who are already contracted to non Welsh clubs will not be affected.

A statement issued today on behalf of the Welsh regions said:"We are fully in favour of this policy which will encourage more of our best players to seek to play their rugby in Wales.

"It will promote a clear pathway through the grass roots into our academies and on to Welsh regional rugby and ultimately the senior international stage.

"This will encourage our best players to develop their careers under the watchful eyes of the strong regional and national structures in place here in Wales.

"The ultimate winner will be Welsh rugby itself as we will be able to achieve our stated aims of identifying, nurturing and developing all the talent out there in Wales. Player welfare is also a key area we will be able to oversee and coordinate under this strategy."

The Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, Roger Lewis, said;"I am delighted by the response of the regions to this initiative.

"We all discussed it before the strategy was announced and we can now work together to ensure we achieve our common aims more effectively.

"It is a brave and tough strategy but we are determined to carry this through because of the clear benefits it will deliver."

The Wales Head Coach, Warren Gatland, said:"I have had very positive discussions with all the regions and I hope the backing they have now given to this strategy will help further the partnership between them and the national squad to help us all go forward and develop the game in Wales."