It looks like the English could have even more influence in the Pro 12 rugby tournament that sees teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy compete in every year. Perhaps this change won't change the landscape of European rugby quite as much as the last time the English had an influence on the competition.
There are reports from English media that two English clubs are looking to join the competition. The Pro 12 is accused on English shores of being an inferior competition to the elite Aviva Premiership, but apparently two Exile clubs are looking to change their allegiance. London Welsh, a London based club for Welsh exiles, and London Scottish, a similar club for Scottish exiles; are both looking at joining the Celtic Nations and Italy.
Discussions are still in the 'informal' stage, and there are said to be significant hurdles to overcome for either to swap leagues. All unions involved - the IRFU, the SRU, the WRU, the FIR and the RFU would have to sign off on the move for it to happen. It's thought that the move would be a significant financial boost to Welsh and Scottish exiles in London.
London Scottish are currently in the promotion playoff to the Aviva Premiership, but cannot get promoted as their facilities don't meet the elite requirement, whilst London Welsh will be relegated from the Premiership this season after a horrendous season that has seen them lose all 20 league games and six Challenge Cup games. They have only scored an average of ten points a game in the Premiership, conceding an average of 45 points a game. The have recorded a grand total of two bonus points between the two competitions.
How these teams would do in the 'inferior' Pro 12 remains to be seen. London Welsh lost both of their games in the Challenge Cup to their Pro 12 opposition in Edinburgh.
Photo Credit Matt Impey/Sportsfile
