Welsh regions hope to resolve Celtic League row

Officials from Wales’ four regional sides remain hopeful of a resolution to the row which has led to the cancellation of the Celtic League in 2005-2006.

The Welsh Rugby Union believe clubs can play in an Anglo-Welsh Cup in addition to competing against their Scottish and Irish opponents.

However, the Scottish and Irish Unions are upset at the scheduling of fixtures which could affect teams in the Heineken Cup, Europe’s top competition.

Cardiff Blues chairman Peter Thomas said: “We believe the proposed fixture list can accommodate the aims of our Celtic League partners along with the desires of the fans, players and broadcasters. We support our union position.”

Llanelli Scarlets, Newport Gwent Dragons and Neath-Swansea Ospreys also support the WRU following their agreement with the Rugby Football Union to compete in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

RFU officials are now considering options to change the format of the Powergen Cup following Anglo-Welsh Cup proposals.

With the Powergen Cup running its course, the new tournament would effectively replace the competition which Leeds won at Twickenham in April by beating Bath.

“We are looking at options for the Powergen Cup which is due to come to an end,” an official RFU spokesperson told the Press Association.

“That does not mean to say it will or will not continue.”

As a result, Ireland and Scotland plan to play in their own competition next season at the expense of the Celtic League.

However, Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallagher insists the proposals do not mean Welsh sides are not committed to the Celtic League.

He said: “We are prepared to commit to the Celtic League for the long term - we believe the Celtic League fixture list is exciting and challenging. We support the position taken by our union.”

His view was backed up by Dragons chairman Martin Hazell, who added: “We believe the WRU is doing the right thing. We back them 100%.”

Ospreys managing director Mike Cuddy added: “We are working as one with the WRU over the Celtic League issue.”

The revenues offered by playing English clubs are thought to have made the risk worthwhile for the WRU, although chairman David Pickering insists the new proposals will enhance the Celtic League.

He said: “We firmly believe this proposal for a Celtic League fixture list services the needs and desires of all the players, coaches, fans, sponsors, administrators and broadcasters within Wales, Ireland and Scotland.

“It delivers a highly competitive and attractive league tournament that would be an improvement on last year’s Celtic League because it would be the sole means of qualification to the Heineken Cup for all parties.

“It is obvious to us that our proposed Celtic League structure is a far superior competition to any alternative that has been mooted and we ask those involved to consider its benefits in business and rugby terms. We have the full support of our regions on what we are aiming to achieve.

“We wish to place on record our firm long-term commitment to the Celtic League and we are trying to be conciliatory in our attitude towards our Celtic League partners.”