Emergency meeting called as three major clubs threaten not to apply for new WRU competition

The Welsh Rugby Union have called an emergency meeting tomorrow night after three prominent Premiership clubs in the Cardiff pathway signalled their intention not to apply for the new Elite Development Competition.

WalesOnline understands Cardiff RFC, Merthyr and Pontypridd have doubts about the viability of this new competition, and are seriously considering not applying with the deadline for an expression of interest set for Friday. All three clubs have already met with the WRU to outline their concerns which include the salary cap, a reduction in the number of home games compared to a traditional community season, the planned mid-season break with no fixtures, commercial sustainability and the potential dilution of historic brands.

The EDC has been devised by the WRU as a bid to bridge the gap between the semi-professional and regional levels of the game. As of next season 1src clubs, most likely all from the Welsh Premiership, will join the professional arm of the game which will mean they come under the remit of the Professional Rugby Board and the Rugby Management Board.

READ MORE: Rugby changes forever as new 12-team competition approved and Six Nations change announced

READ MORE: Joe Marler scraps with Faf de Klerk as 13 million watch Rugby World Cup footage