Celtic League 'could be crucial': Williams

Former Leinster coach Matt Williams believes, with the right application, the Celtic League can become a crucial competition and a prolific breeding ground for the progress of young players.

"The Celtic League has to become to the three Celtic countries what the Currie Cup is to South African rugby and the NPC is to New Zealand rugby," said Williams.

"It has, first and foremost, to be an area of excellence. But it must also be an area to put young players in and see what they are capable of achieving - and the expanded format of the competition certainly allows for that to happen.

"From my own experiences with Leinster, I can categorically state that Aidan McCullen - who has now been capped - and David Quinlan caught the eye of the Irish selectors thanks to the Celtic League. The tournament gave them the opportunity to play against quality opposition," he said.