WRU to pursue central contracts with Welsh regions

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis says the issue of central contracts in Wales is not "dead and buried" despite opposition from the four regional sides.

Lewis said he is determined to find a "unique" system that will benefit Wales, citing Ireland and New Zealand as examples of central contract models that work well.

The regions, who are struggling to keep their best players because of financial constraints, have rejected the WRU's initial offer to pay the salaries of their Wales international players.