Gatland backs overseas expertise

Head coach Warren Gatland says overseas stars can help Wales

Wales coach Warren Gatland has backed the Welsh Rugby Union's plan to reduce the number of non-Welsh qualified players at the four regional sides.

But the Grand Slam-winner says there must still be room for the best foreign players to be recruited.

"It's all about getting a balance, I think that foreign players are good for the game," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"It's just about the number... at the moment I'm a little bit concerned about the number of foreign players."

In June the WRU announced that it had reached agreement with the Cardiff Blues, Llanelli Scarlets, Newport Gwent Dragons and Ospreys to reduce the number of overseas players in their squads.

606: DEBATE Are there too many overseas players in Wales?

That agreement is scheduled to be implemented by June 2009, but in the meantime Gatland would like the regions to voluntarily decrease the number of overseas players on their books.

"Ideally I would like that number reduced to about four - four real quality players that have an impact in terms of their professionalism and what they bring to a training session," Gatland added.

"The way they play they can influence the result of the game and show the other players in the side what it is about being a professional."