Dennis Gethin: Said Mr Morgan's actions were 'unprecendented'

He demanded radical proposals be adopted which would see the General Committee axed and professional executives in their place.

But Welsh Rugby Union Secretary Dennis Gethin said that Mr Morgan's comments were not helpful.

"I think it's unprecedented on the political stage," said Gethin.

"I don't think the intervention will help because the clubs and the public will decide that in a few weeks time."

But Mr Gethin did admit that people may have to be lost to save the national game.

"If it is for the betterment of Welsh rugby, that is the only goal," said Mr Gethin.

"If people are casualties on the way, well so be it."

Mr Gethin also said the WRU had yet to "get to grips" with the professional game.

Professional problem

Mr Morgan has defended his right to criticise the state of Welsh rugby, which he said was affecting the mood of the nation.

"I hope that my intervention will have made them go in favour of actually reforming.

"Then the money will come into the game, we will have full-time professional administration, and I hope the benefits will follow into a professional attitude amongst the players," he said.

Rod Richards: Critical of Mr Morgan

"You cannot expect players to embrace professionalism when the adminstration is still amateur."

Following Mr Gethin's comments, the next step will be a key meeting at the end of the month.

The meeting will see a report by Sir Tasker-Watkins on the future of the game being debated.

Tory AM Rod Richards has accused Mr Morgan of committing a "shabby professional foul".

"He knows there will be change in the WRU in a few weeks time, and I think he wants to get some credit," said Mr Richards.

"He is speaking on an issue beyond his competence and beyond the locus of the Welsh Assembly."

"He probably hasn't read the Tasker-Watkins report," he added.

Former Scottish international John Beattie has also said he thought politicians were within their rights to intervene in sporting matters "when they have got their facts rights".

But he described Mr Morgan's comments as "utter drivel".

"He is confusing international success with profit and with the domestic game," said Beattie.