Could the PRO12 become the PRO13?
Rumours abound that an English Premiership team are making inquiries about joining the Italo-Celtic league as the tumultuous politics of English rugby takes its toll.
The Guinness PRO12 has been chugging along steadily since the beginning of the World Cup, but the competition, among Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Italian sides is widely seen as inferior to the Aviva Premiership across the water.
But that perception, correct or not, may be about to be flipped upside down if the source of former England international Brian Moore’s tweet is correct.
He’s suggested that Bruce Craig, the owner of Bath RFC, could be in Dublin today to meet with the organisers of the PRO12 to chat about a possible move across the Irish Sea.
https://twitter.com/brianmoore666/status/659335646515982336
The switch would need the approval of the current PRO12 sides, but it would be a massive coup for the organisers, and could be the very opening discussions among rugby federations about a possible European super league or the inclusion of more British sides in an expanded PRO12.
@brianmoore666 European 'Super League' is his vision, apparently. More turmoil in prospect…
— Chris Foy (@FoyChris) October 28, 2015
Interesting rumours suggesting that Bath are chatting to the Pro 12.
Probably nothing more than posturing.
Intriguing none the less.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) October 28, 2015
Bath exited this year’s European action at the hands of Leinster, while they also lost out to Sarcens in the Aviva Premiership Final back in May.
UPDATE:
A representative from the PRO 12 has responded to media enquiry from SportsJOE and he has denied that there is any meeting happening today between Bath officials and the Pro12 or that any meetings are scheduled to take place.
