WRU urged to help out regions

Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley feels the WRU need to help the regions financially to halt the exodus of the top homegrown talent.

A number of Welsh players have chosen to ply their trade in France in recent years to maximise their earnings and it seems inevitable that the trend will continue in the coming years. It is clear that a few of the top clubs in Wales are beginning to resent the situation and Blues and Dragons have recently appealed for support in retaining Wales internationals Jamie Roberts and Dan Lydiate. Howley, who is in charge of the Welsh national side while regular coach Warren Gatland prepares for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, believes that action must be taken to prevent another couple of Welsh stars crossing the channel. "There needs to be something to be put in place," he said. "Now whether that is top ups or central contracts. It's not a decision that can be put in place overnight. "I'm sure over the next couple of months that something will come out from the Welsh Rugby Union." Financial help from the authorities could open up a can of worms with other clubs demanding a slice of the pie and Howley feels it is imperative to get everything in place before the cheque book is opened. "I thinks it's important we take time and the right business model is put in place to make sure we keep our Welsh players in Wales," he added.