Welsh rugby regions admit English Premiership plan

The Welsh rugby regions have said publicly for the first time that they plan to join the English Premiership unless a new European Cup is launched.

The news comes as the regions and Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) appeared in public together for the first time since a row over money, control of the game and tournaments erupted last year.

Gareth Davies, chief executive of Newport Gwent Dragons, and Roger Lewis, chief of the WRU, were among those taking part in a BBC Wales Scrum V special broadcast on Sunday.

Mr Davies said their understanding with the English clubs to potentially join their league was "quite solid".

Meanwhile Mr Lewis said he had held no discussions about rumoured plans to create new teams if the regions walked away.

This report from Gareth Lewis, who chaired the debate.