The Welsh Rugby Union and the Rugby Football Union are to set up a working party to create a British League for the season 1999/2000.
In the wake of the decision by Cardiff and Swansea to opt out of the Welsh Premier Division, defy the governing bodies and play "friendly" fixtures with the Allied Dunbar Premiership One clubs in England from next month, the WRU and RFU claim they are "committed" to giving the clubs what they want within 12 months.
At the end of another remarkable day in rugby union yesterday, Welsh rugby was left without its reigning champions and its most famous club playing in any domestic tournaments.
Instead, Cardiff will kick-off their season with a trip to Bedford on September 5th and Swansea will entertain West Hartlepool.
Their places in the Welsh Premier Division will be filled by last season's relegated side, Newport, and the runners-up in Division One, Aberavon.
The WRU will decide at a General Committee meeting on Monday night what to do with Cardiff and Swansea.
While it seems certain they will not provide referees for matches, plans to take legal action to stop the friendlies being played might not materialise.
But Swansea will almost certainly be asked to pay back the money they owe sooner rather than later. "The WRU notes with regret the decision of Swansea and Cardiff not to participate in the Premier Division. A readjustment in Welsh domestic rugby will be made," said a WRU spokesman. "Their sad decision to leave the Premier Division is their decision and not one made by the WRU." WRU secretary Dennis Gethin confirmed that the governing bodies in both England and Wales remain committed to creating a British League for season 1999/2000 in which he hopes Cardiff and Swansea will play.
