THE PRINCIPALITY Premiership clubs have asked the Welsh Rugby Union to increase the size of the top flight, writes Chris Kirwan.

The governing body are holding a meeting next week where they will discuss the request to add at least another two clubs and possibly four to the 12-strong league.

The changes will not take place for next season with the existing clubs set to remain in the 2015/16 Premiership because Bargoed, who do not have the criteria for promotion, are running away with the Swalec Championship.

The Premiership was cut from 14 to 12 in 2012 and that decision prompted Pontypool's failed High Court fight against the WRU. Pooler, Swansea and north Walians RGC 1404 are the current Championship clubs with the required A Licence for the top flight.

WRU chairman Gareth Davies wrote in an open letter last weekend that a working party, chaired by former Llanelli chief Anthony Buchanan, is reviewing the domestic league structure.

And the Premiership clubs have made it clear that more fixtures are needed and that the schedule needs to be sorted to avoid weeks of kicking their heels on the sidelines.

The eight that did not qualify for this year's British and Irish Cup were faced with gaping holes in their calendar and a proposal has been made for them to have their own competition next season to fill the void.

The cross-border tournament is itself a touch shambolic with a heavy regional presence in squads at the expense of club players. That is likely to be exacerbated by the absence of the LV= Cup next season.

Meanwhile, Newport and Dragons chief executive Stuart Davies plans to meet with Gwent's Premiership contingent to discuss how they ensure that the pathway to regional rugby is married with club success.

The former Wales back row forward, who took over from Gareth Davies in January, said: "When I was playing I had a huge respect for Gwent rugby and still have the scars to prove it from Wednesday night visits to Tredegar, Newbridge, Cross Keys, Ebbw Vale where every side had a gnarled tighthead and a tough openside.

"There's no doubt the talent is out there and it's about harnessing that and making sure the systems are in place to make sure they come through.

"I want the Premiership sides feeding the regional side. I want that relationship to be harmonious and fair where the Premiership clubs are competitive, successful in their own right while also being a conduit for players to come through to the region."

Ebbw Vale, Cross Keys and Bedwas are currently in the mix for the playoffs but the Black and Ambers are bottom of the pile and thankful that Bargoed are having such a fine season.