Welsh rugby on the verge of something special

A brace of Grand Slams in three years has seen the national game reach heights it had failed to achieve since the 1970s.

And Lewis believes that the future is set to be a bright one for Warren Gatland's men, despite a disappointing defeat to Australia in the last of their four autumn internationals.

"Going into the Australia game, everyone had a great sense of optimism. However, the paradox of sport is that uncertainty is a pre-requisite," Lewis told the Daily Telegraph.

"Had we have won, we would have been number three in the world rankings and no other Wales side has been that high. That tells you something about the progress we have made.

"The fact that we find ourselves in this position, is a great tribute to the business, the structure, the coaching team and the players in Wales. So, whilst the disappointment of losing to New Zealand and Australia is still there, I am particularly excited about the future."

Next up for Wales is a trip to Twickenham in the 2010 Six Nations on February 6 - a game for which Gatland will likely select between 21 and 22 Magners League players in his matchday squad.

Only one non-Magners League player represented Wales last month and Lewis has no doubt that those same players can take the country to success on a European and even world stage.

"I believe we have everything in place in terms of the business and the structure and at this moment in time, all of us at the WRU feel confident with the position in which we find ourselves," added Lewis.

"However, we also know that anything other than winning is not acceptable at this level and that is the challenge.

"I took a huge leap in 2007 when I said that Warren Gatland would take us through to the end of the 2011 Word Cup. He has done a great job so far and now we need to take the next step.

"The group of coaches and players all have outstanding potential and I believe we are on the verge of achieving something very special."