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.
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URC chief executive Anayi revealed he will meet with high-ranking figures in the Welsh game next week, chief executive Nigel Walker and PRB chair Malcolm Wall, to discuss the issues.
"They are going to give us a lot more detail about how is this going to work and the plan," he said.
"I think they see it as an opportunity to bring through the next generation of players in Wales. They feel like they've got a very strong generation to come through, and they need the opportunity to play.
"Personally I like that, and I think there's a good opportunity to do that post World Cup.
"With regards the comparison with the Irish we don't have oversight over how much they spend but just looking at their squad make-up it's to retain Irish talent in Ireland, rather than bringing in foreign imports which cost a lot of money.
"They do do that but very selectively, maybe three a season, and they do that really well.
"In Wales the opportunity is there to do that, to invest in Welsh players in Wales, and keep them in Wales.
"I guess I will find out more next week with Nigel and Malcolm."
Despite the budgetary cuts Anayi is confident a Welsh side can make the URC play-offs next season, citing the high-level of home grown talent in Wales.
"There's some reason to be hopeful in Wales I believe," he said. "What we as a league would love to see is at least one of those teams do what Glasgow have done this year, and challenge at the top end of the competition.
"I really do believe that is possible, even in the short-term, because you've got talent in Wales to retain and build off that basis.
"It will be challenging because they will reduce the cost base but I think they have to do that to ensure they can be sustainable and grow again."
Over the past couple of years there have been discussions about cutting the number of teams in Wales down from four to three.
For now the Professional Rugby Board have decided to stay at four, a decision which Anayi applauds.
"They've made a decision to stick to four sides, and the cost base is as it is because they want four," he said.
"Three would mean the cost base would be higher obviously. They've made a bold and a good call to stick at four. It's good for them, and therefore it should be good for us.
"We do have an amazing fan base in Wales but there's a lot of work for us to do at URC, and EPCR in Wales."
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