World Rugby law changes: Ex-Wales captain Paul Thorburn says they have destroyed game

Thorburn, tournament director at the 1999 World Cup and later strategic development manager for the Ospreys, says the game in Wales is also at crisis point.

While the WRU reviews Wales’ disappointing autumn campaign and the future of head coach Wayne Pivac, Thorburn says Evans’ attention should be on other matters.

“I don’t think we should change Wayne Pivac at the moment. I think with all respect Ieuan Evans has much bigger fish to fry,” Thorburn added.

“Yes, obviously, we wanted to see a successful campaign in November and it didn’t happen but there were elements that were some positive signs. It’s fine margins.

“Next priority would be draw up proposals to acquire the four Welsh regions [Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets] to make them wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Welsh Rugby Union.

“We’ve had regional rugby for 20 years, it hasn’t worked, quite simply, it’s not a structure that works, there’s too much friction between the regions and the Welsh Rugby Union.

“The Irish model which has been there for years and is very successful, and you talk about European success, we only talk about the Irish provinces. Welsh regions have not featured whatsoever.

“We have bigger problems. The game is broken. The whole game in Wales is broken.

“There is no relationship between the community clubs and the regions. The academy system that the regions have put in place is a shambles. It’s a dysfunctional system and it needs to be sorted.

“So whilst yes, I appreciate the fans want to see Wales doing well in the Rugby World Cup, and there’s nothing to say they won’t do themselves proud in the World Cup with Wayne Pivac in place, but moving forward the priority is to sort out the game.

“There are clubs who are dying. There are youngsters who are not coming into the game. That is a major problem.

“So, whilst, yes. It would be nice for Wales to do well in the next World Cup, I’m sure most rugby fans, genuine rugby fans want to see a sustainable game and it isn’t going to happen if we carry on the way we are.”