The planned restructuring of regional rugby in Wales has been thrown into turmoil after Ospreys chairman Mike James tendered his resignation at the start of today's meeting of the country's newly formed Professional Rugby Board (PRB).
The initiative, which has been given the name Project Reset, is centred on a proposal by the WRU to establish a professional entity in North Wales, somewhat similar to our own provincial set-up.
However, in order to make room for the North Wales side, the proposal requires a merger between two of South Wales' already established professional sides.
Reports have suggested that those earmarked for the potential amalgamation are Ospreys and Scarlets.
However, this morning's meeting to discuss the matter further was thrown into disarray, when Mr James announced his resignation from his role.
Explaining his decision, James said he would "not be party to this level of catastrophic mismanagement", describing the current impasse as "the worst of all worlds".
None of us doubt that regional rugby requires restructuring in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the game.
The way in which this has been handled however is nothing short of chaotic, resulting in a fatal combination of uncertainty, conjecture and insecurity now hanging over regional rugby's future.
To methodically, rationally and impartially map out the future of regional rugby is one thing, to fatally wound it with an ill-judged, cavalier process is another.
He believes that "the restructuring process itself needs revisited, with appropriate checks and balances, independent oversight and transparency".
Welsh international and Scarlets captain Ken Owens has described the issue as "deeply concerning".
Owens is the chairman of the Welsh players union and released a statement through the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA).
This is the most challenging situation that I or arguably any player has faced during our careers.
I am deeply concerned about the situation that the players across the four regions face.
There was a hope that a merger between two clubs could be agreed as early as Sunday, with a view to the new outfit rolling out of the 2019-20 Pro14 season.
