The Welsh Rugby Union raised the number of non-Welsh qualified players allowed in each side from six to seven last season to counter the effect of World Cup absences, but Williams and Gatland believe there should be a reduction for the sake of homegrown players getting an opportunity to develop.

Blues flanker Williams told Rugby World: “By no means am I saying get rid of foreign players – they’re brilliant players and most add to things – but for players who are potentially Welsh internationals to be sitting on the bench is not good for the national team, they need game-time.

“We have a small player base as it is, so to get stronger we need those players to be playing. You wouldn’t see the Tri-Nations sides with two thirds of the squad not playing regular rugby. It would never happen.”