London Welsh
London Welsh ponder switch to PRO12
ESPN Staff
July 2, 2015
Olly Barkley
Olly Barkley© Jan Kruger/Getty Images

London Welsh are pondering their long-term future and are considering exploring a switch to the Guinness PRO12.

The Exiles have already made one big decision in the wake of their relegation back to the Championship when they confirmed they will be playing their home matches at their traditional Old Deer Park home rather than the Kassam Stadium. They have recruited strongly ahead of next season but while they will be targeting a return to the Aviva Premiership next term, their long-term future could see them play in the PRO12.

"It's a symbiotic relationship which could benefit all parties," chairman Bleddyn Phillips told BBC London 94.9. "I think it would bring an added dimension to Pro12 if you are able to establish a London franchise."

He added: "We are a team that believes in its Welsh traditions and Welsh roots.

"As an option it [the Pro12] is attractive to many people in this part of London. It would be attractive to a number of Celtic teams. I suspect the likes of Munster, Ulster, Glasgow and Edinburgh would rather fly into Heathrow than to certain other areas which currently participate in the Pro12, while Welsh fans would prefer to come to south-west London than perhaps go further afield.

"There would be a degree of support behind the possibility."

© ESPN Staff

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