Curtain comes down on 'A' internationals

The Six Nations committee has agreed that no 'A' matches will be played during the 2004 season.

A number of rugby unions have indicated that, largely for financial reason, they would not be fielding an 'A' team during the coming season.

Wales and Scotland both withdrew their sides from last year's competition to ease financial problems.

While remaining unions wished to continue with the competition, the Six Nations committee agreed that a suspension of 'A' internationals was "the sensible approach".

The committee is to review the possibility of reviving the competition in the future over the coming months.