At present, according to Jones, as reported in The Western Mail, the WRU’s debt on the stadium stands at £60 million and increase as Jones regards it as "unrealistic" of the WRU to expect a profit unless a sponsor can be found to be granted naming rights to the stadium.

Losing top soccer matches once Wembley Stadium is competed will reduce current revenue. The naming rights for Wembley could be as much as £50 million. At present soccer does not bring great revenue to Millennium Stadium, but lots of prestige.

At present the naming rights to Millennium Stadium resort with the Millennium Commission, which has made it known that it would consider yielding its rights.

According to The Western Mail, spokesmen for both BT and British Gas said they would "consider" bidding for the sponsorship rights. A BT spokesman said: "If it came to pass and if we were approached it is something we would be willing to consider."

British Gas said: "We always consider such options which are put to us."

A consortium fronted by 1970s rugby legend JJ Williams attempted to persuade the WRU to sell the Millennium Stadium last year, making an offer in the region of £170m, but the WRU denied they had ever received an offer in that region.

Williams refused to discuss the deal with the newspaper.

WRU Chief Executive David Moffett stood firm, saying: "You will not see a for sale sign on the front of the Millennium Stadium."

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