WELSH Rugby Union chiefs hope that the introduction of a halfway split will lead to an increase in intensity in the Principality Premiership.

The top flight of Welsh club rugby has been revamped with Merthyr, Swansea, Bargoed and Swansea joining last season’s 12 teams.

The Premiership is ring-fenced until 2020 and a split has been introduced for 2016/17 with the top eight battling it out for the play-offs from January.

That has sparked fears of the bottom half having little to play for other than winning the second tier while there are also concerns about the lack of a home-and-away format with clubs potential losing out on big paydays when well-supported clubs such as champions Ebbw Vale and Pontypridd come to town.

However, WRU head of rugby performance Geraint John believes the change will lead to the Premiership prospering.

“We hope the changes will add intensity to an already competitive league,” he said. “The first 15 rounds of the season will add jeopardy to the division with all clubs vying to reach the top eight for the second half of the season.

“And, with only eight teams in the fight for the play-offs, I expect to see a significant step-up in standard in all tier one matches.

“Tier two clubs will also be looking to prove a point and finish as high as possible in the table order to gain momentum for the following season.

“We know that the Principality Premiership has produced countless professional and international players since its inception 13 years ago.

“In order to improve the standard of regional rugby, we need to increase the quality of the league that underpins it, and we hope these changes will assist the clubs in their undeniable efforts to produce quality players and coaches.”