Celtic League news: Delegates from the three participating unions, the IRFU, the SRU and the WRU agreed a formal structure for next season's Celtic League in Barry, Wales yesterday.
The new format allows for 12 teams to participate in one division with 22 matches on a home and away basis. A new initiative will be the launch of a knock-out cup competition on four independent weekends.
IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne admitted: "We are very pleased that the new structure of a home and away Celtic League has been agreed, which allows us to develop the competition to its full potential. The introduction of a knock out Celtic Cup competition is a further fillip which I hope will prove to be attractive to broadcasters, sponsors and the rugby public."
Leinster team manager Ken Ging reacted positively to the new tournament, albeit not having been fully briefed on the new structure.
"I think it is a good development. It's now a fully professional game so there is no reason why teams shouldn't play on a weekly basis. Obviously squad sizes will have to be increased to compensate for the increased number of matches.
"That may involve handing out more part-time contracts rather than full-time. I think it'll be attractive to spectators and there certainly won't be any shortage of matches."
WRU Chief Executive David Moffett confirmed: "The accord we have agreed for the Celtic League to be played on a proper home and away basis from next season is a huge step forward for the tournament.
"From a Welsh perspective, the announcement that our five new regional teams will be competing in a full and proper fixture list next season is great news. It means there will be enough quality rugby throughout the season to hone the senior players, develop the younger talent and give the fans plenty of meaningful action".
Bill Watson, Chief Executive of the SRU said: "We have sought for some time to see the Celtic League expanded into a season long competition. The restructuring of the game in Wales has enabled the Celtic countries to achieve our objective in a hugely meaningful way.
"Our competition next season will deliver more meaningful games of rugby, raising the intensity of every game played. I know the three Scottish teams will welcome this very significant development."
The teams that will compete in the 2003/2004 Celtic League and Celtic Cup will be: Ireland: Munster (champions), Connacht, Leinster Lions and Ulster. Scotland: Borders, Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Rugby. Wales: Bridgend/Pontypridd Region, Cardiff Region, Ebbw Vale/Newport Region, Llanelli Region and Neath/Swansea region.
Matches will begin early next season, with the final round taking place in May.
Olivier Azam and Ludovic Mercier are set to leave English Premiership side Gloucester at the end of the season and return to their native France. Outhalf Mercier is understood to have signed a two-year deal with Grenoble and Azam, a hooker, is looking at a return to Montferrand despite having a year left on his Gloucester contract.
