Today's rugby headlines as WRU issue statement amid shock proposal to axe Welsh team and regional boss responds

Here are the latest rugby headlines on the morning of Thursday, May 5.

The Welsh Rugby Union have issued a statement after plans to cut the number of Welsh regions from four to three emerged.

The seismic proposition is being put forward following a WRU-commissioned review into the future of the game in Wales. The so-called Umbers report, undertaken by Oakwell Sports Advisory, recommends just three teams as the best way forward, with the Dragons and Ospreys both mentioned as potentially being the most likely to be dropped. The doomed Scarlets-Ospreys merger of three years ago is also set to be up for discussion again too.

You can read the full details of the story here.

Following the emergence of the review recommendations on Wednesday evening, the WRU told WalesOnline: "Oakwell were commissioned by the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) to produce a report exploring the strategic options available to the professional game in Wales. It contains a number of recommendations which form a part of the current discussions taking place at the PRB. There are other reports informing these discussions and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this juncture."

Senior Welsh rugby sources have said all options will be looked at and admitted difficult decisions will have to be taken. Any proposed axing of a region is certain to be met with strong opposition from fans and administrators.

Dragons chairman David Buttress has responded to the recommendations that the four professional teams in Wales be cut to three.

A report assessed the viability of the current setup in Wales and one of the recommendations that it returned was that the Dragons should cease to exist, continuing with three regions.

The Rodney Parade outfit are the