May 31, 2005

Celtic League Association Statement

Posted by Editor on May 31, 2005 05:17 PM | 5 comments | Print | E-mail author
With news breaking that Scotland and Ireland will play their own league next year following a row with Celtic League partners Wales, The Celtic League Association has made the following statement.

At a meeting of the Celtic League Association today, in London, the Welsh Rugby Union informed the Irish and Scottish Rugby Unions that the Welsh professional clubs have signed an agreement to participate in a new Anglo-Welsh Cup which results in five prime weekends in the season being unavailable for Celtic League.

As a consequence, it has not been possible to construct a mutually acceptable Celtic League competition for season 2005-06.

The Scottish and Irish Rugby Unions are disappointed that the Welsh Rugby Union did not consult its partners in the Celtic League prior to making commitments to the Anglo-Welsh Cup, given the serious negative consequences it has on the Celtic League.

It is hoped that discussions may continue between the Irish, Scottish and Welsh Rugby Unions along with the Italian Rugby Federation to structure a new competition in season 2006 – 07 which would incorporate four Irish teams, three Scottish teams, four Italian teams and four Welsh teams.

In the meantime, for season 2005 – 06 Ireland and Scotland will structure a cross-border competition to commence in September, 2005. It is proposed that this will be a 12-game, home and away league competition with qualification for European and a Cup competition, the details of which are to be finalised.

Comments
Posted by hugh on May 31, 2005 06:17 PM | Reply to this comment

TIME FOR PREMIER CLUBS TO GET IN ON THE ACT FOR CROSS BORDER COMPETITION

Posted by rhoddy on May 31, 2005 07:14 PM | Reply to this comment

does a 12 game league not seem a bit small, what about version of the celtic cup with scotland and irelands top amatuer teams replacing the welsh, if nothing else it would be a good revune spinner for the clubs and it will extend the season

Posted by hugh on May 31, 2005 07:47 PM | Reply to this comment

agreed rhoddy time for clubs to step forward maybe already happening

Posted by McDruid on June 1, 2005 02:06 PM | Reply to this comment

If the clubs are in the same competition as the pro teams, will there be a ban on the pro teams pinching the clubs' players, or is that too much like a level playing field for the pro team administrators to adjust to?

Posted by hugh on June 1, 2005 02:46 PM | Reply to this comment

a bit like Melrose beating the Warriors at Beach Rugby at Islay last year

Add a comment to this article

If you're replying to an existing comment, please use the 'Reply to this comment' link above the entry. This will display the comments in a way which is far easier for other readers to follow.