WRU to keep European dialogue open

“We are deeply concerned not only for the game of rugby, but also for the players whose livelihoods are now at risk. As this situation has progressed we’ve been constantly talking to all the parties involved and that will continue,” said Lewis, the WRU Group Chief Executive.

“I’m sure the boycott will be at the top of the agenda of the ERC Board meeting scheduled for next week and I look forward to sitting down with the French and English delegates to try to find a positive way forward for European competition either next season or the season after.

“In Wales, we have already been considering the alternatives which could fill the gap this leaves in rugby competition at the top level. The WRU and the four Regions are standing shoulder to shoulder in trying to find a solution that is right for Welsh rugby and the game at large.

“While the boycott will grab the rugby headlines around Europe for some time to come, we must ensure here in Wales that it doesn’t distract the Scarlets and the Dragons from their main goals of winning the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup this season.”

Scarlets Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher, the Welsh Regions representative on the ERC Board, confirmed the close relationship between the Regions and the WRU on this issue.

“We have been talking for some time about this difficult matter and will continue to work closely together to try to find the best possible way to ease the financial pain that this boycott is likely to bring,” said Gallacher.