Talented young rugby players in North Wales should not be concerned about reports the Welsh regions may be reduced to three according to the region's development boss.

Comments by Welsh Rugby Union's executive director of rugby Nigel Walker on the BBC's Scrum V programme suggested that losing one of Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys or Scarlets remains a possibility.

The WRU is exploring ways to compete financially with richer clubs across Europe as budgets increase across the top tier of the game and reducing the number of regions is an idea that has been considered for some time. 

Scarlets is the only one of the regional teams that covers North Wales. Whatever happens at a regional level however, young rugby hopefuls still have a clear route into the elite game according to Alun Pritchard, general manager of the North Wales Development Region and former volunteer director of Colwyn Bay-based RGC 1404.

"Reducing the number of regions as Nigel discussed is just an idea at this stage," he said. "As I understand it there is two years remaining of the existing commitment to the regions and any major change like this would need two years notice.

"So there is no imminent change on the horizon. We have developed strong elite pathways in the North that are continuing to give our brightest young players opportunities.

"Young talent will thrive whatever the future holds for the regions in the next five or 10 years. North Wales is well set to continue to produce top quality players for the professional game."

Across the region rugby is thriving, with rising stars earning national youth team caps this season.

"We have had a number of players called up to play in the Welsh U18s and U20s," said Alun.

"We are building up the female game too, with Nant Conwy's Nel Metcalfe and Bodelwyddan's Sian Jones called up to the Wales Women's side this year.

"In the North we feel that, through RGC 1404 and our local clubs, we have a bright future."

While RGC 1404 are no longer linked specifically to Scarlets - or any of the regions - both teams still share Parc Eirias through the season, with Scarlets male and female youth teams playing at the stadium.

And in September RGC will take on a new challenge when it enters Super Rygbi Cymru, a league competition designed to further bridge the gap between club rugby and the regions.

"We're really excited about the new league," said Alun. "In a way it highlights how North Wales is building the future of the game.

"Many teams in the Super Rygbi Cymru league are looking to recruit younger players as many of their players are veterans now, while at RGC they have very young squad and are looking to add a little experience ahead of September. 

"We have put a lot of work into creating opportunities for players in the North to excel in the game. While we are always looking to improve we are confident that the future of rugby in North Wales continues to be bright."