Wales coach Steve Hansen believes a Heineken Cup played in one block would aid the country's attempts to return the national side to the glory days.

The New Zealander believes such a move would significantly raise playing standards and disjointed competitions in Europe had a detrimental effect.

"If we played the Heineken Cup in one hit people would get excited," Hansen told the Western Mail.

, who admitted getting confused at the way in which teams constantly switched between competitions in Europe.

Wales's top clubs are currently involved in the Heineken, or the Parker Pen Challenge Cup and Shield tournaments. At the same time the Celtic League and Welsh Premiership is taking place.

European competition is spread throughout this season, but the next campaign has been condensed because of the World Cup.

"The Heineken Cup and the Celtic League give us an opportunity to do something," he added. "At club level we are as strong as any club in New Zealand, but they have got another two levels in between that and Test rugby.

"We have talked, talked, talked and talked, but we need to take action," Hansen went on, before expressing confidence measures would be taken before Wales kick off their Six Nations championship campaign next February.

"I am sure we will see signs of it even before then. If we want to do something next year it has to be done pretty soon," he said.

Hansen also expressed disbelief at the Welsh Premiership being virtually shut down for the autumn international programme unlike England's Zurich Premiership.

"I understand it happening during the Six Nations because the under-21 and A teams are also playing but, at this time of the year, I see no reason why the clubs should not be playing every week."