EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS

THE Celtic League crisis is set to deepen with Welsh clubs on the brink of defecting lock, stock and barrel to the English set-up.

It is being reported in Wales that the four regional sides have a hidden agenda to join the English Premiership.

They have already signed up for the Powergen Cup - which has sparked turmoil with the Scottish and Irish axeing the Celtic League as a result.

Cardiff, Llanelli, Gwent and Neath/Swansea Ospreys apparently want to link up with the likes of Gloucester, Leicester and Wasps on a season-long basis.

But Norman Douglas, a Murrayfield Council member who is heading the SRU's bid to bring the Welsh back into the Celtic fold claimed that was a non-stater.

He said: "This idea of the Welsh clubs joining the English League is not new.

"I heard Tony Brown [former Newport chairman] saying four or five years ago that he wanted more teams to come across the [Severn] bridge as they would bring crowds of around 4-5000 every second week. Contacts in England assure me that Welsh involvement in what is already a successful league is not going to happen."

But reports today say that Welsh plotting has got into overdrive.

One source said: "Wales are ready to take the hit on the Celtic League because returning to byegone days when they played cross border friendlies with the English on a regular basis is seen as realistic.

"They think being thrown out of the Celtic League is a step worth taking in the short term if, as they presume, doors will open soon leading into the English Premiership."

Former England coach Dick Best added: "It would be good for the [English] League if the Welsh clubs came in.

"Our Premiership is an ailing league which needs to be spruced up a bit. Perhaps welcoming the Welsh in is a good idea as their regional outfits could add a bit of spice."

However, Douglas was equally adamant that an about-turn was on the cards.

"We have received an e-mail overnight which suggests there is room for further talks. I'm confident there will be a Celtic League with the likes of Llanelli playing at Netherdale, Murrayfield, etc next season."

This article was posted on 2-Jun-2005, 11:21 by Hugh Barrow.