The beginnings of a new Celtic League were claimed yesterday by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) secretary-general JB Moffat who said that a 14-team structure would be up and running next year.

"The structure will consist of eight Welsh clubs, four Irish provinces and two Scottish Super Districts and will become operational from the 2001-2002 season. First fixtures are scheduled for August 25th, 2001, and the 14 teams will be divided into two conferences of seven each," claimed the WRU.

An IRFU statement yesterday was decidedly less committed to the proposals but certainly did not rule them out. The IRFU confirmed that it has been involved in discussions with the Welsh and Scottish unions. "There have been talks over the last 18 months in relation to various cross-border competitions," said the IRFU.

Irish rugby's chief executive Philip Browne said that once proposals for a Celtic League were more developed, the union "will of course brief the provincial branches and the clubs."