Anglo Welsh Cup set for restructure

The WRU have confirmed that they are in discussion with the RFU about proposals for new, Anglo-Welsh cup competitions including one which would feature Premiership clubs from Wales.

Talks have been taking place over several months to replace the EDF Energy Cup from the start of the 2009/2010 season with two new competitions.

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.

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.

Roger Lewis described ideas as exciting moves which would ensure top class Anglo-Welsh matches complement Magners League matches in seasons ahead.

He said the discussions aimed at finalising cup competition details signify a strong desire to preserve the historically important anglo-Welsh rivalry.

He said, “I’ve been in discusssions with the RFU aimed at growing the game, not just at Regional level but at Premiership level too for a number of months.

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