Bridgend owner Leighton Samuel has agreed to a merger with Pontypridd for European and Celtic League rugby next season as the Welsh Premier clubs continue to build their proposal for the future of the game.

Samuel had previously favoured a tie-up with Neath, but this move could push the All Blacks closer to an arrangement with local rivals Swansea.

It is understood that Neath directors are continuing to back plans for four provinces and that WRU Group Chief Executive David Moffett will present club owners with a revised version of his provincial plan.

The Welsh Premier clubs will continue their talks on Tuesday as they finalise their plans to take to the Union board on Thursday.

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Bridgend and Pontypridd Cardiff Newport and Ebbw Vale Swansea and Neath Llanelli to stand alone

Moffett hopes to present the board with a club proposal to put alongside his own plans for four provincial sides next season.

They will then have to decide which option to take to the Union's EGM on 23 February.

Only that body has the power to authorise the proposed changes to the Welsh game.

"There's been quite a bit of progress with Pontypridd and Bridgend happy to go together," said Bridgend chairman Derrick King, "finances aren't too much of an issue."

"It's a fantastic playing and marketing opportunity and we could be one of the strongest regions," said Pontypridd chief executive Gareth Thomas.

"The plan keeps rugby going in all the communities of Wales."

But Moffett warned "There are still a lot of issues to be discussed and we're working on a very tight deadline."

Possible 30-man Valley Ravens squad:

Full-backs: Matt James, Brett Davey
Three-quarters: Gareth Wyatt, Aisea Havili, Dafydd James, Gareth Thomas, Sonny Parker, Jon Bryant, Siua Taumalolo, Matthew Nuthall
Fly-halves: Ceri Sweeney, Neil Jenkins
Scrum-halves: Paul John, Sililo Martens
Props: Gethin Jenkins, Duncan Bell, Phil Booth, Chris Horsman
Hookers: Mefin Davies (capt), Gareth Williams
Locks: Robert Sidoli, Brett Cockbain, Andy Moore, Deiniol Jones
Back row: Richard Parks, Michael Owen, Geraint Lewis, Nick Kelly, Nathan Budgett, Wayne O'Connor