Welsh rugby: Cardiff set to apply for last Elite Domestic Competition place

Cardiff's new owners are keen for the club to be involved in the new elite league

Cardiff are set to apply for the final place in Welsh rugby's new Elite Domestic Competition (EDC).

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has already named nine clubs to compete in the league that will replace the existing Welsh Premiership from 2024-25.

But the governing body appealed for a 10th to join for the competition to "perform at its optimum level".

Cardiff initially declined to apply, but are now in talks with the WRU after coming under new ownership.

No Cardiff regional club was among the initial nine EDC teams announced by the WRU earlier in February.

Merthyr said the reduced competition was financially unviable and "disengaging" for players and supporters due to the limited number of games.

Similarly, five-time winners Pontypridd claimed the competition would "jeopardise its solvency as a commercial entity", while Cardiff also initially declined to apply.

However, Cardiff Rugby's new owners Helford Capital Limited, who completed their takeover in January, are keen for the club to be involved in the elite competition.

If successful, the Cardiff club side would be the only team from their region in the EDC.

It would also mean there is no place for Neath, who branded their omission as "grossly unfair" and "reprehensible".

And with Llanelli currently mothballed by their owners Scarlets, the new elite competition looks set to be without the three clubs to have won the premiership the most times, with 16 titles between them.

Aberavon, Bridgend Ravens, Carmarthen Quins, Ebbw Vale, Llandovery, Newport, Pontypool, Swansea and RGC 1404 are the other nine confirmed clubs.

The tournament is to be ring-fenced for three seasons with a salary cap for all teams.