Welsh Out Of Celtic League ?

It would appear that the Welsh clubs have been removed from the Celtic League for the coming season following a meeting of the Celtic League Association in London on Tuesday.

It would appear that the Welsh clubs have been removed from the Celtic League for the coming season following a meeting of the Celtic League Association today (Tuesday) in London.

The Welsh delegation officially announced their intention to take part in a Anglo-Welsh Cup and as a consequence it was not possible for the three Unions to agree a mutually acceptable League format for the coming season. The involvement of the Welsh in this Anglo-Welsh Cup means that there would be five weekends in the season when it would not be possible to schedule Celtic League fixtures.

An official statement titled, Irish and Scottish Rugby Unions disappointed at Welsh Union announcement stated that, “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.”

“The decision by Ireland and Scotland smacks of childishness and I can’t understand it,” said WRU group chief executive David Moffett speaking to bbc.co.uk.

“We told them that we had signed up to the Anglo-Welsh Cup, but also that the Celtic League was our most important competition and that we remain totally committed to it.

“Given the state of their rugby on and off the field, I’d have thought Scotland would do everything in their power to play in a meaningful tournament.

“This seems a final decision from them over the Anglo-Welsh issue, but I’m always hopeful and we’ll see what happens in the next few days.”