Rugby Union: All clear for Celtic League

The all clear has been given for Irish, Welsh and Scottish clubs to take part in a Celtic League.

The competition featuring four teams from Ireland, two from Scotland and nine from Wales will start in late August this year.

The Welsh Rugby Football Union decided to back the league after questioning its commercial potential.

More than 65,000 tickets have been sold for the Tetley's Bitter Cup Final between Harlequins and Newcastle at Twickenham - a record for the competition since its sponsorship by the brewery giants.

Sales have passed the 63,000 cut-off mark agreed for safety purposes by the RFU, police and local authorities, which means no tickets will be on sale on the day of the match.