Celtic League to continue after compromise deal

THE Celtic League will be up and running again next season following a crisis meeting between representatives from Ireland, Wales and Scotland in London yesterday.

Following the decision by the Welsh Rugby Union to join an Anglo-Celtic Cup competition, Ireland and Scotland decided to go it alone, but all that was turned on its head yesterday when the three unions reached a compromise.

The Irish Rugby Football Union last night issued the following statement: “As a consequence of a positive meeting in London, the Celtic League Association confirmed that the three unions have reached agreement to accept the proposed Anglo-Welsh Cup competition and proceed with the Celtic League.

A further statement, giving full details of the agreement, will be issued on Monday.”

It is understood, however, that the original 20-match fixture list that pertained in the competition last season will go ahead and a compromise could be that Wales will compensate their Irish and Scottish counterparts by relinquishing some of the revenue gained from selling the television rights.

Wales already had been afforded the lion’s share of that considerable revenue.

The agreement will come as a big relief to all concerned.

And not least to the Welsh, who were effectively booted out of the competition by the Irish and Scots after failing to reach agreement at a previous meeting.

The stand-off really did not suit anyone on the basis that a Scottish-Irish competition would have been relatively meaningless.

While the Welsh are delighted to be involved in an Anglo Cup competition, they had very serious misgivings about losing out in the Celtic League.

While they originally took a hard stance, the main participant clubs were really seriously worried about their financial situation outside the Celtic League.

The Welsh, through chief executive Steve Lewis, made immediate attempts to get Ireland and Scotland back to the discussion table and Lewis stressed earlier this week that he would do everything in his power to resurrect the tournament.

That attitude apparently bore fruit yesterday.

However, the final details of next year’s competition have yet to be announced.