Warren Gatland’s men enjoyed mixed fortunes during the autumn internationals beating Argentina and Samoa but coming unstuck against Southern Hemisphere heavyweights Australia and New Zealand.

Wales did give the All Blacks a fright, losing 19-12 but they were demolished by a Matt Giteau-inspired Australian side – crashing to a 33-12 defeat.

But Lewis is adamant the infrastructure in the country means he can look forward with optimism in 2010.

“We can look forward to a new year in which we will build on so many significant initiatives which have been launched or completed in the last 12 months,” he said.

“We are constantly reshaping and restructuring Welsh rugby and the opening of the new multi-million pound WRU national centre of excellence in October was a major landmark.

“All the WRU teams from under 18s through to senior level, Wales sevens and Wales women will train and develop in one of the world’s finest, if not the finest, rugby facilities.

“The elite game was also strengthened when we signed the new five-year participation agreement with our four regions.

“At the heart of this is a commitment from them to increase the number of Welsh qualifying players in their squads and reduce the number of non-Welsh players backed by a number of player development protocols.

“In return for a number of key deliverables the four regions will receive £6m annually from the WRU.”