Euro Rugby backs Welsh clubs

Europe's professional rugby chiefs have warned that any new Welsh provincial sides face exclusion from the continent's cup competitions.

The Principality's major clubs have rejected WRU plans for four new provincial teams to replace them in the Celtic League, Heineken Cup and Parker Pen Challenge Cup.

Their stance was backed on Wednesday by Howard Thomas, vice-chairman of Euro Rugby.

Thomas warned that even if new provincial sides were set up, they could still be excluded from European competition.

"We are justifiably concerned about what is going on in Wales at the moment," said Thomas.