Jenkins says Welsh clubs must prepare for an uncertain future

The former Swansea and Wales hooker says he understands why the club's executives applied for a temporary administration order on Tuesday.

Jenkins, who retired last October after a distinguished career, knows that the move could see job losses, with some player contracts likely to be terminated.

But the 36-year-old says that the Welsh Rugby Union's drive towards regional rugby leaves clubs with little choice.

A lot of money has gone in the pockets of players who were fairly mediocre Garin Jenkins

"It's a sign of the times in Welsh rugby," Jenkins said. "There's financial difficulties right through the game and Swansea have been forced into this.

"When there isn't money to sustain the level of professionalism in the club then they've got to be realistic and cut their cloth accordingly.

"It happens in all industries and rugby isn't exempt from that."

Despite the uncertainty over their futures, Jenkins believes that it could galvanise Swansea's players on the pitch as they will be fighting for places in a regional set-up.

Swans stars could move part-time

Those players surplus to requirements in a regional set-up - assuming the WRU overcome the legal arguments - can put themselves in the shop window for interested English and French clubs.

Jenkins hopes that it won't lead to an exodus from Wales but understands that professional rugby players must go where the work is.

"When the game was declared open in 1996 it was quite a hasty decision," Jenkins added.

"Every player in Wales thought they were professional rugby players and that stopped the cream flowing to the top.

Garin calls it quits

"Lots of good players stayed at their little village clubs and it's been to the detriment of Welsh rugby.

"The statistics are that about �84 million has been spent on the professional game, with �40m spent on the bottom of the game.

"That's all well and good if that was spent on developing facilities throughout Wales.

"But I think I'm truthful in saying a lot of it has gone in the pockets of players who were fairly mediocre and haven't served any purpose to Welsh rugby."