Wales were on a record 18-match losing run before finally ending that dismal streak on July 12 with a 31-22 victory over Japan in Kobe, with the national side's dismal run mirrored by the lack of success at the regional level.
Welsh rugby's governing body outlined its radical scheme for a revival in a 90-page consultation document entitled 'The Future of Elite Rugby in Wales'.
There will be a six-week consultation period before officials make a final decision, with WRU chief executive Abi Tierney urging all concerned to "improve on the proposals".
The WRU outlined four schemes for the future of the Welsh club game but made clear its favoured option was to cut its number of four professional men's teams -- currently Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets -- to two.
It has still to be announced if the two future sides will come from the existing four or be new entities, but the two clubs will each have a men's and women's team.
The WRU's preferred scheme is set to meet with fierce opposition from supporters of the four existing clubs and those who worry that a reduction to just two professional sides could do lasting damage to the game in Wales.
But Tierney, acknowledging the strength of feeling, said: "This is a momentous day for Welsh rugby. No decisions have been made, but we feel, based on the analysis, this is the strongest (option) yet."
'Hurt and anger'
"I know how emotional rugby is in Wales and people will be hurting today, when they think what it could mean potentially for them and their team," she continued.
"I recognise the hurt and anger people are going to be feeling. Change is hard, and this is hard for fans."
Tierney, however, added: "But fans' numbers drop has also not been a great experience for anybody, and we want to create an experience they can be proud of.
"What we were doing and keep doing for fans was not the right thing. I would encourage everybody to imagine how exciting it could be and take that step into the future."
The WRU proposal comes with Ospreys set to move into a redeveloped stadium at St Helen's in Swansea for the 2026/27 season, and the Llanelli-based Scarlets having recently unveiled new investors.
Dragons said this week elite professional rugby must continue in Gwent, while capital club Cardiff are currently owned by the WRU after entering administration in April.
Regions that could go out of business should the WRU go ahead with its favoured scheme may take legal action, with WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood saying "two or three areas of potential legal challenge" exist.
Tierney was speaking at Wednesday's news conference after announcing earlier this month she will take an indefinite break from her WRU role from August 22 following a diagnosis of cancer.