Wales
RFU will not allow Welsh clubs to join Premiership
ESPN Staff
January 20, 2014
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis, Wales press conference, Grand Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand, October 17, 2011
Roger Lewis - no plans to set up new regions © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links

Roger Lewis, the Welsh Rugby Union chief executive, has said the RFU would block any moves by the Premiership to include the four Welsh regions.

Lewis was responding to recent reports that the four regions, who are deeply unhappy with the WRU and are refusing to sign a new deal with it, were going to join an expanded Premiership if the Heineken Cup deal fell through.

"The Rugby Football Union will not allow the Welsh regions to join the Aviva Premiership," Lewis told a BBC discussion programme. "They [the RFU] have told us. So that is not going to happen."

But on the same show Newport Gwent Dragons chief executive Gareth Davies said the Anglo-Welsh plans were still being discussed. "The understanding we have with the English clubs is quite solid, whilst not underestimating the enormous hurdles that are in the way of that happening.

"What other option do we have? Playing in a, with respect, reduced European competition and the Rabo [Pro12] doesn't have a sponsor next year and the Italians claim they are pulling out."

Lewis did dismiss reports that the WRU was looking at setting up new regions to replace the existing four. "I have not had any private conversations about setting up new regions. I am committed to making the four regions work."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices