During the RBS 6 Nations campaign after Christmas, games become scarce at regional level and it is likely that more will be seen of the professional players on the Premiership scene, leading to a possible increase in attendances.

A new Premiership ruling next season, removing restrictions on regional players at semi-professional level, is behind the move.

“By allocating players to Welsh Premiership clubs, it gives them a sense of loyalty with the local community,” said Ospreys elite performance director Andrew Hore.

“It's an opportunity for them to get to know more fans and, more to the point, rediscover the important role these clubs have in the future of the Ospreys.

“We have a fantastic relationship with the clubs in our region and in assigning players to clubs, it will further strengthen things.

“And it might well help in producing world class players for the region.”

Wales centre Gavin Henson might look to ease himself back into the limelight with Swansea during the autumn while the Whites have also been allocated Wales captain and former Raven Ryan Jones and lock Alun Wyn Jones.