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Friday, November 6, 1998 Published at 15:45 GMT


Sport: Rugby Union

Rebels to face WRU

Cardiff's Rob Howley attacks the Leicester line in one of the seasons 'friendlies'

Rebel Welsh clubs Cardiff and Swansea are to be called before a five-man panel from the Welsh Rugby Union general committee to explain why they have quit the Premier Division.

The meeting will determine whether the WRU takes sanctions against the clubs.

The WRU have already demanded the return of grant aid from Swansea, believed to be around £200,000, and up to £500,000 of participation money from last season.

But despite the stance of clubs this season, both are to be considered by the WRU for a group of four clubs set to be nominated for a British League Premier Division next season.

WRU chairman, Glanmor Griffiths said: "The WRU wants to re-emphasise its commitment to the formation of a British and Irish league next season.

"The formation of this league is of paramount importance in improving northern hemisphere standards."

"The WRU is determined to ensure that at least eight of its clubs would be involved in this new structure whilst acknowledging it is unlikely that more than four clubs will be placed in the Premier Division.

"To that end the Union have instructed their technical committee to draw up criteria to allow clubs to be considered for Premiership status. These will include playing strength, playing and spectator facilities, population and demographics."





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