Former England and Lions prop Mike Burton has warned the WRU of the legal implications behind their plans to restructure Welsh rugby.

Burton, now a player's agent representing top Welsh stars including Scott Quinnell, is concerned for the rights of the people out on the field.

"Players may have grounds for individual legal action as contracts have to be paid off," said Burton. "Some of my players have already spoken to me.

Wages would spiral downwards with only one employer Mike Burton

"Then there are the investors like (Bridgend owner) Leighton Samuels - what compensation will they be offered if their investments are to become first-division clubs?"

Even below that level, Burton warned that there could be a case to answer from other clubs left by the wayside like Newbridge and Pontypool.

Burton, who was involved in deals that took Welsh stars to English league clubs in the mid-'90s, was worried about the Union taking full control of the game and being able to dictate which provinces or clubs the players were sent to.

It won't be a healthy job market for the professional rugby player in Wales Mike Burton

"There would be no competition for services in the work force. That doesn't happen in other professions and it's not healthy.

"Wages would spiral downwards with only one employer, the WRU.

"If the plans go ahead it won't be a healthy job market for the professional rugby player in Wales."