By Lestyn
March 18 2003

Any drastic changes in Welsh rugby appear to have been dodged again, with the Premiership clubs set to hand a proposal for six teams next season to David Moffett.

With out doubt self interest appears to have been the order of the day, with four clubs standing alone. The usual suspects Cardiff, Llanelli and Pontypridd being joined by Swansea in the stand alone stakes. Newport and Ebbw's proposed merger remains along with Neath's and Bridgend's.

The new setup, looks strikingly similar to the Gang of six's bid for stand alone status, which would anger the clubs who voted for what they believed to be regional rugby last month.

Personally I can't see Moffett accepting the latest plans, but He may be tempted if it avoids the dreaded nine club Premiership for next season. The standing alone clubs would only get half of what the two merged teams would, which raises serious doubts about cash strapped Swansea's capacity to have a "super" club.

But the main doubt I have is the point that the clubs are clearly missing, there simply aren't enough player's to go around six outfits. That's asking for 180 quality players, that We simply don't have. There wouldn't be enough competition for places, players could simply become complacent with no one of a suitable standard to replace them. There's absolutely no way that these teams would benefit the national team full stop.

Steve Hansen doesn't agree and I think We follow the Kiwi's thinking for now.

" It won't change anything," he said.

"Its just shuffling the cards to keep everyone happy and it will spread the talent too thinly to be competitive."

Is it a sensible plan by the club's or the gang of six up to their old tricks? leave Your rants on the message board.