Wales head coach Gatland said last month he would like to see the Gallagher Premiership clubs and the four Welsh regions combine forces and renew a rivalry that was a big feature of the game until the RFU introduced leagues in 1987.
The Welsh regions are struggling financially with their budgets for next season cut at a time when they are having to repay a Covid loan. It has led to an exodus of players.
Three Premiership clubs folded last season after piling up debts and the top flight has been reduced to 10. Losses are still being accumulated with Sale, Exeter and Bristol recently reporting a combined deficit of £14m.
"It is an interesting concept and one I would not be against," said Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter, below, whose side played the Scarlets yesterday in a friendly.
"It would depend on how much money there is.
That is what drives league structures, television and sponsorship deals and opportunities for big gates.
“The approach we must have is what makes us most viable as clubs and the question is the same for the Welsh regions. Revenue is the key. I have no problem with the idea of it – it would be fantastic going to games in Wales and it would cut down our travel costs.
“If there is a taste for it and a willingness from backers I would say it is likely to happen. If not, then it would be unlikely but if enough people want it, I do not think there would be much of a debate.”
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England show who's No.1
ENGLAND women’s head coach John Mitchell says his side will take valuable lessons from the 24-12 win over world champions New Zealand as they build towards their WXV1 title defence.
Skivington: We're going to roll dice and go for it
THE Cherry and Whites are the enigmas of the Premiership.
Looking to go one step beyond this time around
NE small step is what it will take for Bath to go one better than last season and secure the Premiership for the first time, but it would be one of the biggest taken by the club in the professional era.
Four-try England make it 17 wins on the spin
ENGLAND women opened the Allianz Stadium era at HQ with a victory over New Zealand to make it 17 wins on the bounce before their WXV title defence.
Time for Borthwick to prove his worth
HONEYMOON periods are not set in stone and in my estimation Steve Borthwick’s ends this summer. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still in good shape.
Barrington ready to power up the Mob
RICHARD Barrington has signed up to the Ampthill “Mob” reassured that he’ll still have a target on his back most weeks.
Skivington keen to build identity
GLOUCESTER won their first trophy for nine years last season and reached the Challenge Cup final, but when George Skivington went on holiday the day after the campaign ended the words in his head were never again.
Roebuck targets England success
WINNING a maiden England Test cap to top the best season of his career will not be enough for Sale winger Tom Roebuck.
Booth: Tough telling players I was leaving
TOBY Booth admits telling his Ospreys players that he would be leaving at the end of the season was one of the hardest things he has had to do in his career.
Stephens' debut try sees off old rivals
DORKING had to dig deep in another tight game between two old rivals, with the lead changing hands twice and result in doubt right up to the final whistle.
