LEADING Welsh clubs are to follow their English counterparts by recommending a breakaway from the Welsh Rugby Union.

The First Division Rugby clubs (FRD) of Wales have backed the move by the English Professional Rugby Union Clubs (EPRUC) and are to join forces to form a united organisation spearheading senior club rugby in Britain.

There was also immediate agreement that this summer's Anglo Welsh competition, which had been in doubt, will now go ahead with all the clubs fielding full strength teams.

The Welsh clubs, represented by First Division Rugby in Wales, announced they will run their own affairs along the lines of EPRUC, whose chief executive Kim Deshayes will take up a similar role with the Welsh clubs organisation.

A joint statement issued by EPRUC and First Division Rugby said: "As with EPRUC's decision earlier in the week, individual clubs in Wales with memberships will be asked to give their approval to the plan.

But, given the reported disillusionment throughout Wales at the relationship with the WRU, there seems to be every likelihood that the plan will be approved.

Peter Thomas, chairman of First Division Rugby Ltd in Wales, said: "At a meeting between the Welsh Rugby Union executive and representatives of FDR on August 23rd, a decision was taken that future announcements would be agreed on a joint basis (with the WRU).

"Since that meeting, the WRU have made Press statements without consultation, so breaking the agreement.

"The Welsh clubs fully support the English clubs and eagerly anticipate the creation of a new order to take British club rugby into an exciting future."

The breakaway threat was thrown into some doubt by Cenydd Thomas, chief executive of SWALEC Cup holders Pontypridd, who said: "I just don't know what is going on. I don't consider the people representing us at the meeting had any mandate to make decisions or issue statements.

"All I knew that there was going to be a meeting to discuss the move by the English clubs and to examine possible options for tournaments. Then there was to be a full meeting and report back to members of FDRL on Wednesday."

The Welsh Rugby Union said it would be a sad day" if the reports of a split were true. They are due to meet with their first division clubs next week.