Rugby Union in Wales - Competitions

Competitions

See also Welsh rugby union system

Wales' four professional rugby regions play in the Pro 12 league and take part in the Heineken Cup, European Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup. Since 2006 they have also competed in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against clubs from the English English Premiership.

There is also a Welsh Premier Division and WRU Challenge Cup competed for by Wales' traditional club teams. Starting in 2009–10, the four Home Unions have instituted the British and Irish Cup, an annual competition for semi-professional teams throughout Britain and Ireland; the WRU enters six clubs in that competition. A regional rugby franchise, originally known as Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (Welsh language for "Rugby North Wales") and later known as RGC 1404, was established in North Wales; plans called for the side to enter the Welsh Premier Division as early as 2010–11 and eventually the Celtic League/Pro12, but the venture was unsuccessful and was liquidated in 2011. The team, however, continues to play as part of Wales' national rugby academy. RGC 1404 also had a partnership with Rugby Canada by which the franchise would have a secondary role of developing players for the Canada national rugby union team, at least until enough local players were developed to fill a complete competitive squad.