All change for Anglo-Welsh Cup
The WRU has confirmed it is in talks with the RFU about proposals for new, Anglo-Welsh cup competitions including one which would feature Premiership clubs from Wales and second-tier English sides.
The WRU has confirmed it is in talks with the RFU about proposals for new, Anglo-Welsh cup competitions including one which would feature Premiership clubs from Wales and second-tier English sides.
Talks have been taking place over recent months to replace the EDF Energy Cup from the start of the 2009/2010 season with two new formats.
The top tier cup would involve the twelve Guinness Premiership clubs, the four Welsh Regions and four clubs from a revamped National Division One of English rugby.
The second cup would feature the remaining eight outfits from England's second tier and six teams from the Principality Premiership.
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis plans to outline progress over talks so far with the Welsh Premier Division representatives in the coming weeks.
He has also asked Cardiff Blues Chief Executive Bob Norster to join him for the next phase of discussion with the RFU over the main proposals.
Lewis described the ideas as exciting moves which would ensure top class Anglo-Welsh matches complement Magners League games in seasons ahead.
He went on to declare that the discussions aimed at finalising the cup competition details signify a strong desire to preserve the historically important Anglo-Welsh rivalry.
“I've been in discussions with the RFU aimed at growing the game, not just at Regional level but at Premiership level too, for a number of months,” Lewis said.
“There are clear implications for the Premiership and I will be holding discussions with those clubs in a couple of weeks time.
“These proposals will create exciting competition which the game needs and will also bring additional money to replace the EDF Energy Cup.
“There is a shared desire among the RFU and WRU to preserve Anglo-Welsh encounters to enhance existing competitions.
“But Anglo-Welsh matches must complement Celtic Rugby and we are also determined to develop the Magners League.”