TALKS will be held on Tuesday when Welsh rugby chiefs will discuss the possibility of a merger between the Ospreys and Scarlets.

The proposal will be discussed at a meeting of the Professional Rugby Board – involving the Welsh Rugby Union and the four existing professional sides of the Dragons, Cardiff Blues and western duo - as part of ‘Project Reset’.

The governing body are keen on establishing team in north Wales, meaning that the number of regions in the south will be cut to three.

A merger between the Ospreys and Blues had previously been discussed but now it could be the Swansea and Llanelli sides that join forces.

The WRU have not commented on the talks about a new arrangement for professional rugby, although chief executive Martyn Phillips wrote in his programme notes for Wales’ Six Nations clash with England that: "Doing nothing isn't an option and nothing has been off the table in terms of what has been discussed”.

David Buttress, chairman of the WRU-owned Dragons, said on Sunday: “I believe changes need to be made and we need to be bold in those changes”.

Warren Gatland’s squad are chasing a Six Nations Grand Slam but last week several leading players, including captain Alun Wyn Jones and talisman hooker Ken Owens, were part of a delegation that met with Phillips to express their concerns about the potential changes.