Welsh rugby bosses are considering implementing a formal regional loan system to help all four professional sides.
Playing budgets at all four regions have been cut to £5.2million next season, before falling even further to £4.5million the following year.
Consequently Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets will have to cut the number of players in their squads leading many observers to voice their concerns over potential player welfare concerns.
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In a meeting with the Joint Supporters Group last month, WRU acting CEO Nigel Walker said squad sizes would be cut from 48-50 players to 42.
WalesOnline has seen the official minutes where Walker admits the smaller squad sizes will be a challenge for all four regions, but they also present an opportunity to blood young players.
This is part of the WRU's long-term plan to develop academies, improve player pathways, and enhance commercial efforts to attract more funding into the game.
Many supporters are worried a mixture of international call-ups and injuries could seriously expose a lack of strength in depth at all four regions, and could even lead to academy players getting thrown into a fully-blown professional game far too early in their development.
Walker insisted the squad sizes did not mean having a team composed primarily of 18-20 year-olds, and the intention was to review the inclusion of players between the ages of 21-23 who traditionally wouldn't have had many opportunities.
The former Wales wing assured those in attendance the regions would not be fielding young players who were not capable of competing at that level.
Walker then revealed plans for a regional loan system are being considered to "ensure safe participation if a team cannot field a complete squad."
There are also concerns the regions will be negatively affected by the World Cup but Walker dismissed this, pointing out the United Rugby Championship starts later next season, allowing time for players to join their teams after national duty.
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