London Welsh may join Celtic League

London Welsh have revealed they could quit English club rugby and join the Celtic League.

The National League One side have written to the Welsh Rugby Union asking for a meeting to discuss a plan which would see them become the fifth Welsh team in the competition, despite playing their home games at Brentford FC.

"I think we would bring a great deal to the Magners (Celtic) League," said London Welsh operations manager Peter Thomas. "Geographically, it would mean the league would have a team playing in each of the capital cities, which would be great.

"In terms of bringing in potential sponsors, I think having a club based in London would help with that. And if you look at what we could pull in in terms of crowds, we would end up with very healthy gates."

A potential agreement between Premiership clubs and the RFU, aimed at ending promotion and relegation to League One in return for the England national side having greater access to the Premiership stars, has forced London Welsh's hand, with the club believing such a deal would jeopardise their long-term future.

"We've got to be aware of the current change in the RFU and what they might bring in which enforces a natural change to our set-up," said London Welsh director of rugby Martin Jones.

"If we could remain with the WRU that would be a major boost for Welsh rugby and London Welsh as a club."