Ways of developing the successful links between the Principality Premiership, the Regions, Regional Academies and the First Divisions will be explored in the dialogue.

The Welsh Rugby Union wants the review to last for more than a year with any agreed changes to be implemented by season 2009–2010.

The focus of the debate is whether the current 14 club Premier Division should be reduced to 12 in the future.

Views on both sides of the argument have already been explored internally at a senior level within the WRU and the issue will be placed before the Welsh Rugby Union Board of Directors on Thursday.

The Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, Roger Lewis, said "We must engage as many voices as possible in this crucially important debate.

"Talent already flows through the Premier Division into the Regions and in the future we want to make sure that continues and develops.

"There are powerful arguments for both a 12 or 14 strong Premier Division and we have to be sure all the issues are resolved before we move forward.

"By starting the review now we will give everyone involved the chance to fully prepare and plan their involvement in the Premier Division of the future.

"The important thing here is for everyone involved to look at what is best for Welsh rugby and stand firm for the future.

"We must have a winning Wales and to ensure we develop enough talented players to make our senior team competitive we have to have robust and challenging routes to the top.

"We are already seeing interest in the Premier Division growing and the academy system is providing plenty of talent to ensure the quality of the games can carry on improving. However, that should not make us complacent and we must always challenge our strategies to make sure we get the best out of all our young players.

"With that in mind I will be recommending to the WRU Board on Thursday that we should review the Premier Division going forward with a timescale for change linked to the 2009–2010 season."