Popular Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens has given his view on Wales selection policy.
“Something had to be done or we would just continue to lose players,” he said.
“This is a hugely important decision and a very positive step in the right direction.
“It will help keep the best players in Wales and strengthen our regions, making them more successful.
“That in turn will mean more kids wanting to play rugby and support the regions, as their heroes are playing for them.
“The WRU should be applauded for doing this, not shot down by people who are reacting in a very negative way and failing to look at the big picture.
“I don’t understand why anybody would be against this.
“Surely everyone would want to have our best players playing in Wales and for the regions to be strong?
“Why some people are so negative about the policy is beyond me. Do they not want the regions to be successful?
“If you are a true supporter of Welsh rugby, you would see this is something that needs to be done.
“If our regions are not strong, then the national team will suffer in the long run and so will the community game.”