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 Thursday, 16 January, 2003, 21:30 GMT
Welsh clubs reach agreement
WRU chief executive David Moffet
Welsh clubs have put forward a proposal to the WRU
Wales' top rugby clubs are still at loggerheads with the Welsh Rugby Union over plans to restructure the game in Wales.

The game's governing body revealed on Thursday that the nine Premier clubs have finally put forward a plan to create five teams.

The WRU, though, reaffirmed its desire to have four provincial sides to represent Wales in Celtic and European competition next season.

No details were given on how exactly nine clubs will be reduced to five, but WRU chief executive claimed the clubs had reached an "unanimous view".

From nine to five? How the clubs could merge
Bridgend and Pontypridd
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Newport and Ebbw Vale
Swansea and Neath
Llanelli to stand alone
The union will meet on 23 January to discuss the clubs' proposal, at which they will decide which proposal will go forward to an Extraordinary General Meeting.

That meeting of Wales' 239 member clubs will be held on 23 February - a day after Wales play England in the Six Nations championship.

"The clock is ticking - we have put a line in the sand," said Moffett.

"This time next week, we intend to put a recommendation to the general committee.

"Today (Thursday) is the first time that the clubs have come back to us with a unanimous view about a way forward, and we have always said that we would be prepared to listen to another option.

It is up to us and the clubs to put the flesh on bones now

WRU chief executive David Moffet
"We have been unable to have a full discussion with the general committee today, but we were able to give them an outline of the club's proposal.

"This is a major breakthrough for the clubs.

"Everyone understands the need to take the game forward, and we now need a lot more information about the clubs' proposal.

"We owe it to the general committee to take back to them a full proposal on behalf of the clubs.

"It is up to us and the clubs to put the flesh on bones now, and there is no more pressing issue for Welsh rugby than this one at the moment."


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