THE Welsh Rugby Union and at least one major club financial backer believe it may be time to reach a formal agreement restricting the number of games of top players.

After four years of negotiations the RFU and the English clubs have agreed to restrict the appearances of elite squad members.

They will be limited to 24 club games a season and eight internationals, with two more allowed out of season.

In Wales there is a gentleman's agreement, but clubs sometimes break it.

Neil Jenkins made 27 appearances for Cardiff last season, plus nine representative games before the Lions' tour of Australia.

Newport's Shane Howarth, played 29 games last season and says there is a big need in Wales to restrict games.

He predicted the British Lions would lose the final Test against Australia because of burn-out but doubted Welsh officials would learn.

Newport benefactor Tony Brown said, "We need something similar to the English agreement and I feel it does need to be formally agreed and recognised.

"We all want to work together in the mutual interests of international and club rugby.

"There are difficulties, especially with the need for clubs to include their best players in various competitions because of the financial punishments if you fail to reach certain stages.

"But I believe, given the will on both sides, the problems can be overcome.

"The clubs and the WRU need more dialogue. I know the management committee structure is in operation, but it is non proven.

"In English rugby there have often been false dawns and we'll have to see if this one actually holds.

"I think it's a positive step and in Wales we need something similar which has to be a mutual trust between the clubs, players and the WRU."

A WRU spokesman said: "Last season we found a formula to restrict the number of appearances. In some cases it worked and in some it didn't."

"Now we need a far broader acceptance of the demands.

"The formula is a gentleman's agreement and there might be a need to formalise it."