DAILY RECORD REPORTS
RUGBY UNION: LEAGUE KO WON'T SCARE BOSS HUGH Jun 1 2005
By Roddy Duncan
UPBEAT Glasgow rugby boss Hugh Campbell isn't crying over the collapse of the Celtic League - he even insists it will help Scotland's pro teams thrive in Europe.

Scottish and Irish clubs have vowed it go it alone after the defection of their Welsh cousins to the revamped English Powergen Cup.

And Warriors coach Campbell is adamant the absence of Welsh sides will not dilute next season's competition or cause severe cash problems for his club, Edinburgh and Borders Scotland and Ireland bosses are hoping Wales will return to the fold for the 2006-7 season, along with Italy.

They are also pressing on with plans to play in a new 24-team Rainbow Cup event featuring sides from South Africa and Italy.

Eternal optimist Campbell said: 'I'm not gloomy in the slightest about what is happening.

'A less frantic season will help our professional players prepare more thoroughly for the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup.

'A 12-match league between the Scottish and Irish sides coupled with a probable cup competition will still provide an attractive schedule to all involved.

This article was posted on 2-Jun-2005, 07:53 by Hugh Barrow.