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"Whilst I am disappointed by their personal attack on myself, the WRU is responsible for 241 clubs in Wales as well as the four regions and we have to do what is right in the best interests of all of Welsh rugby.
"I must correct the major inaccuracies in the Regions' statement and also outline the progression of events. It is important that the fans and players who are at the heart of Welsh rugby understand the facts in full.
"In January of this year, the four Regions raised the question of Rugby World Cup Compensation. It was clearly and unambiguously stated by the WRU in meetings with various members of the four regions in February, March, May, July and August of this year that their request for further monies was without foundation.
"Furthermore, this view was consistently and vigorously conveyed by the Chairman of the WRU, David Pickering, to the four regions at all meetings he attended.
"At a meeting on March 15th it was minuted that the regions themselves "offered direct access to all player contracts in support of the regions claim". This was not a request from the WRU.
In May of this year I presented a new way forward for the regions and the WRU. This was issued without prejudice and subject to contract clearly stating the ambitious new proposals would involve an agreement for five years.
"The 15 point charter outlined included a commitment to secure the commercial sustainability of the four Regions, encourage Welsh players to play in Wales, agree an elite player development programme, share vital data and technology, develop elite coaches and plan the future for the rugby academies.
"The charter also aimed to secure a more effective relationship between the Regions and the Premiership and to agree a joint business and marketing strategy to achieve long term financial sustainability.
"It was that 15 point charter which would have opened the door to a range of new payments including agreement to talk about additional money throughout the extended term.
"However, it was clear that the regions main focus was on their claim for compensation for Rugby World Cup. Their response in August contained unrealistic financial demands upon the Union. The Union made it clear then and reiterated throughout its further discussions that it would not consider the principle of RWC compensation.
"Accordingly, the regions are wrong when they say they were not aware of any fundamental disagreement before the 23rd of August. Furthermore, during this meeting, the WRU asked the regions that these discussions continue in private. We remain sadly disappointed that this did not happen.
"It is time for these discussions to move back into the meeting room, not in the press, and I look forward to meeting the regional representatives once more later this month. At a full WRU Board meeting on August 30th, the Board overwhelmingly supported the Union's position.
"The focus for everyone involved in Welsh rugby has to concentrate now on supporting Wales's ambitions in the Rugby World Cup, the greatest rugby tournament in the world."
