Wales' rugby regions 'welcome' European deal

The new competitions provide a positive way forward for Welsh Regional Rugby and the ability to drive forward commercial revenues of the most significant rugby club competition in the world.

Fundamental changes within the new European competition structure will see the clubs take a greater stake in significantly growing the value of the professional game, which is crucial in our ability to remain competitive.

The Welsh Regions are pleased that after giving their support to the Rugby Champions Cup last October, a new European platform has now been secured - based on a strong core principle of equal distribution by participating clubs. We can all now look forward to a more developed, competitive and high quality European competition next season.

Now that both the European competitions and PRO12 league have been confirmed, all our efforts will now be concentrated on working with the WRU to ensure that we can reach a positive and progressive agreement.

The is still is a lot of work still to be done as we go forward, with fundamental issues that urgently need to be addressed to ensure the whole of Welsh Rugby progresses and thrives.