Wales Thrown Out Of Celtic League!
By Zippy
May 31 2005
The 4 Welsh Professional sides Blues, Ospreys, Dragons and Scarlets have been thrown out of the Celtic League by the IRFU & SRU. For details read on.
At an emergency meeting at Londons Heathrow airport today the Welsh were thrown out of the Celtic League by the Irish and Scottish rugby unions.
They were angry about the Welsh participation in an Anglo-Welsh cup next season.
There is shock at the WRU about the decision:
"The decision by Ireland and Scotland smacks of childishness and I can't understand it," said WRU group chief executive David Moffett.
"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.
"Whether Italy came in and we played the league home or away, or they stayed out and it remained home and away, we felt we could accommodate the cup tournament.
"You have to feel sorry for Irish and Scottish rugby supporters.
"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."
A statement from the IRFU said: "The Scottish and Irish rugby unions are disappointed that the WRU did not consult its partners in the Celtic League prior to making commitments to the Anglo-Welsh Cup, given the serious negative consequences it has on the Celtic League"
Zippy View
Wow! Bet they were not expecting this, but you can't blame the Scots and Irish, if they stood by and let this happen then it was going to be an Anglo-Welsh league in a few seasons.
It may look like they are cutting their nose off but what choice did they have?
From the Welsh perspective greed and a lack of a long term business plan has caused this, if the English do not let the Welsh into the Zurich Premiership then it spells Meltdown for the 4 pro regions.