Rugby Union: Blanco talks to Celts on Europe

FRENCH LEGEND Serge Blanco will meet representatives of Scotland, Wales and Ireland in London today in a bid to secure the future of the European Cup.

Blanco, now the president of the French national rugby union governing body, will also bring a message from the England camp. Blanco warned: "If the Celts don't want to join us where we want to go, we will then go where it seems good to go."

It has been suggested that England and France could try to organise a competition with the southern hemisphere countries if the Celtic nations fail to agree a package. The former France full-back said: "With the English we have made great progress. We only need to make an agreement with the Celts."

The meeting does not come under the auspices of the European Rugby Council but is merely an attempt at mediation. The main stumbling block to an agreement is how the profits from the tournament should be shared out.

The Bridgend centre Steve Winn and the Pontypridd hooker Andrew Lamerton have won Wales call-ups for Friday night's A international against Ireland at Ebbw Vale. They get their chances because the Cardiff centre Leigh Davies and the Swansea hooker Garin Jenkins have been promoted to the senior Wales squad that plays Ireland on Saturday.

Wales A beat their Scottish counterparts 20-8 in Edinburgh a fortnight ago, the victory inspired by five Arwel Thomas penalties and a Nick Walne try.

Wales A squad, Digest,

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