5 For Heineken

By Lestyn
April 9 2003

The ERC today gave the go ahead for Wales to enter the five new regional teams into Europe. It had been originally thought one, probably Cardiff would have to enter the Parker Pen, but at least next season all five will be entering the tournament. It's a massive boost for the new entities.

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However for the 2004/5 season one of the regional outfits will have to play in the Parker Pen, it's almost certain that next seasons Celtic League will decide who will qualify. But the WRU may also consider judging it on performance in the tournament itself.

Dai Moffett was quick to applaud the decision;

"This is excellent news for Welsh rugby and a real boost for our five new regional teams in their first season,"

"The Heineken Cup is the tournament they all want to play in and now they will have the chance to prove themselves against the best sides in Europe."

"The five new regional entities can now go away and start to prepare positively for next season."

"It means there will be huge competition among the five regions to qualify for the four places we have been granted in the Heineken Cup for the following season,"

"The five new regional entities can now go away and start to prepare positively for next season."

For once those boy's at the ERC appear to have got thing's right for once; In a statement earlier today;

"there was unanimous support from the board for Welsh rugby as it goes through a transition period".

The significance of their decision will without doubt be a big boost for all, especially the players. It's a big step up from the Parker Pen, players at Ponty probably have suffered a bit not being able to play at the intensity the tournament offers, Mefin Davies and Michael Owen have been big disappointments for the national team this year, the step up proving too big.

I've my doubts whether We have five teams that are good enough for the Heineken cup, but We won't know unless We try I suppose.

  • Robin McBryde is back for Llanelli's big European tie on Friday. The Hooker missed the whole of the six Nations through a toe injury, but has answered the Scarlets call, after an injury crisis at the club.

 

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