PEOPLE must be honest with themselves and vote for the future of Welsh rugby not themselves - if Wales are to climb back up the international ladder, says national caretaker coach Steve Hansen (pictured).

He pleads for club delegates to do the right thing at Sunday's extraordinary meeting of all 239 clubs.

If they do Hansen, whose caretaker role ends after Saturday's game against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium, believes Wales can make progress again on the pitch.

"If they look at themselves in the mirror and say they are being honest and vote for what's best for Welsh rugby rather than what's right for individual clubs then they'll come up with a competitive environment," he said.

"But if they go there and get selfish and make decisions to keep club traditions it won't happen.

"There's going to be some pain, but if we're going to be competitive and beat the likes of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia the answer is quite simple.

"It's irrelevant how many clubs there are, but we have to create the right environment where you don't reward mediocrity.

"We can go a lot further. We're a third of the way up the mountain and we can go all the way to the top if we are given the right environment."

Hansen hopes to be given the Wales job full time, but doesn't rule out the possibility of regional rugby here.

"Why not regional?" he asked. "Why wouldn't it work? How do you know? It's happened in other countries and it works."

Hansen does not want to be assistant coach if he fails to get the top job. "It's irrelevant whether I'm the coach," he said. "If they believe someone else can do the job I'll support it.

"But I like the place, I've really enjoyed myself, I know these guys and I have a feel for them.

"If I'm not appointed I'd question the point of taking it further. If they haven't got the confidence in me as coach it's a waste of time being here. "I wouldn't want to be thrust on anybody else."

Meanwhile, Scotland fly-half Gregor Townsend will overtake Scott Hastings to become the most capped player in Scottish rugby his tory - if he makes his 66th appearance against Wales on Saturday.