Norster says the WRU and Wales' regions must start talking again

Cardiff Blues chief executive Robert Norster says Wales' regions hope to settle their differences with the Welsh Rugby Union over the festive period

Norster said regional representatives hope to meet senior WRU officials in the lead up to Christmas.

The relationship between the two sides has been fraught in an early season bedevilled by rows over player release.

Norster said: "I think it's important we start talking to each other again and finding a way forward."

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There will also be discussions surrounding proposals to extend Wales' summer of 2010 tour to New Zealand to include midweek matches, which would mean a larger-than-usual touring party heading Down Under.

Norster said: "We've been at a meeting talking about that and we plan to sit and discuss with the union over the coming weeks into Christmas to find a way forward.

"Obviously we've given release of players in spades over the years and I think it's important we start talking to each other again and finding a way forward for the betterment of the entire game in Wales, both regionally and internationally.

"It's important we get some solutions rather than continue to argue with each other over it.

"It's incumbent on us all to be positive towards that end."

Earlier this season the Blues, Ospreys, Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons formed Regional Rugby Wales with ex-WRU boss David Moffett as acting chief executive.

RRW were subsequently ordered by a High Court judge to release players for training ahead of Wales' 8 November Test against South Africa after the WRU took legal action.

Welsh rugby's governing body also hopes for discussions as a WRU statement said: "We're looking forward to starting talks with the representatives of the regions and we'll approach these discussions positively.

"We are confident of a healthy debate and an outcome that will be in the best interests of Welsh rugby."

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