Sam Warburton insists Wales must keep four clubs and reveals his view on Cardiff-Ospreys merger talk

Sam Warburton admits he’s anticipating another difficult year for the Welsh regions amid financial difficulties, but is adamant that four professional teams is still the correct number.

Welsh rugby has just endured a testing campaign that saw financial uncertainty overshadow the game. A new six-year framework was agreed upon, but it means each of the regions will see their budgets come down over the next couple of years.

Given how much of a struggle it’s been to be competitive as it is, it’s hard to envisage how things will improve with belts being tightened next season.

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When asked if he was confident about things improving, Canterbury ambassador Warburton said: “No, I think it’s going to be a tough year next year.

“I’ve got friends at Cardiff and they’re training with barely any numbers right now with boys at World Cup and injured players. I am concerned for some teams in Europe and when they play away in Ireland.

“I think we’ll see some less-than-flattering results next year. We might be surprised but from my understanding, the regions aren’t set up for much success next season.

“They might tread water. I hate saying that. I want them to succeed and I’d love for them to prove me wrong.

“But I don’t think the regions have been set up for success. I think it’ll be a tough year.”

Given the struggles, talks continues to persist of the number of professional teams in Wales being reduced.

Exploratory talks of a merger between Cardiff and Ospreys have been held as the qu