Former Cardiff coach John Mulvihill believes the Welsh Rugby Union has made it "very, very difficult" for Wales' four pro clubs to cut costs while remaining competitive, as he tipped the Dragons to do well next season.
Mulvihill is taking charge of the Barbarians as they take on Swansea RFC at St Helen's on Wednesday to mark the Welsh side's 150th anniversary season. While this match caps a landmark season for the All Whites, the financial uncertainty which has overshadowed the professional game has made it a difficult campaign for most.
Trying to bring down wages when some players still have time left on existing contracts has made life difficult for all sides, with Mulvihill's old side Cardiff in particular being stung. With budgets coming down, the Arms Park side has seen plenty of established talent leave as the club struggled to offer competitive contracts as costs were cut.
