EDINBURGH EVENING NEW REPORTS

By BILL LOTHIAN
CELTIC rugby boss David Jordan today moved to ease fears that a revived Anglo-Welsh competition from 2009-10 would undermine traditional competition involving teams from the valleys plus Scotland and Ireland.

Tournament director Jordan said: "We are in discussion with the Welsh Rugby Union to get some detail."

The top-tier cup would involve the 12 Guinness Premiership clubs, the four Welsh Regions and four clubs from a revamped second tier of English rugby. The second cup would feature the remaining eight clubs from the English second tier and six teams from the Principality Premiership.

This has given rise to concerns that the Welsh might be looking to throw their lot in with the English leaving the Scots and Irish high and dry despite denials from WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis, who says any Anglo-Welsh tournament must complement Celtic rugby.

Jordan added: "We were well aware the Welsh were looking at implementing this. Our understanding is that any Anglo-Welsh tournament would take place during the international periods."

There are no Celtic League games scheduled between October 25 and November 28 due to the Autumn Test programme.

Difficulties could arise early in the new year as in 2009 the Celtic League is due to operate alongside the RBS Six Nations Championship.

This article was originally posted on 26-Aug-2008, 11:15 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 26-Aug-2008, 11:15.