Wru In Talks Over Anglo-welsh Cup

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed talks have taken place with their English counterparts about proposals for new Anglo-Welsh cup competitions.

The WRU want to replace the EDF Energy Cup from the start of the 2009/2010 season with two new competitions with one including Premiership clubs from Wales.

‘I’ve been in talks with the RFU aimed at growing the game at Premiership level as well as regional,’ said WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis.

‘There are clear implications for the Premiership and I will be holding discussions with those clubs in a couple of weeks’ time.’

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.

Lewis added: ‘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.’