United Rugby Championship boss Martin Anayi insists Wales' four regions can be competitive over the coming seasons despite their playing budgets dropping to as low as £4.5million.
The game in Wales is in a parlous state with player wages getting aggressively pushed down while the regions' overall cost base will get reduced dramatically in a bid to make them more sustainable.
This has led to concerns they may be even less competitive next season especially. Three of the four Irish provinces spent roughly double the amount on their squads.
