Cardiff get final spot in new Elite Domestic Competition as Neath miss out

CARDIFF have been awarded the final place in next season’s new Elite Domestic Competition ahead of Neath.

The Arms Park side and the Welsh All Blacks applied for the 10th spot after nine clubs had been confirmed in February.

Cardiff have been given the nod to join the Gwent trio of Newport, Ebbw Vale and Pontypool, Aberavon, Swansea and Bridgend from the Ospreys area, Carmarthen and Llandovery from the Scarlets plus Colwyn Bay-based RGC.

That will come as a disappointment to Neath, who had conducted a big PR push to try and earn the last spot.

“Many congratulations to Cardiff who submitted a bid which placed them high up in the rankings on the scorecard we have used for awarding a licence,” said WRU executive director of performance Nigel Walker.

“We now have the recommended ten licences in place and can look forward to a competition which will provide the missing link between our elite professional teams in Wales and the community game and vastly improve our pathway provision at the same time.

“We are grateful to all those who applied to join the EDC, it is unfortunate for Neath that, despite an improved application, they didn’t score enough points to be considered for a licence.

“We are acutely aware that this will be difficult news for all of those at Neath rugby club and their supporters and we thank them genuinely for their passion and commitment to the process.

“The club will be eligible for a parachute payment as they join the Championship competition, with potential reconsideration for EDC next available in three years’ time.”

Clubs will receive an increase in investment from the WRU and work within a new salary cap.

More details about the new competition will be announced once this season's Premiership champions have been crowned next month.