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A new row has erupted in Welsh rugby over plans to replace Premiership clubs with regional A teams in the British & Irish Cup.

At present, one club from each region takes part in the cross-border competition following a qualifying play-off, with Pontypridd, Cross Keys, Carmarthen Quins and Aberavon the sides on board this season.

But the four regions - Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons - have decided that from next season regional A sides will compete in the 20-team event.

This has provoked an angry reaction from Premiership champions Pontypridd, who have vowed to fight against the proposal, which would need to be approved by the board of the WRU.

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Fielding regional A teams would replicate the situation in Ireland, where Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht put out their second string sides.

The competition also features the 12 English Championship clubs, with Worcester beating Doncaster in this season’s final in March.

News of the change of policy in Wales was revealed in an email from Blues chief executive Richard Holland to officials of Pontypridd.

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Holland wrote: “The four regions via the rugby management board have all agreed that regional A teams will compete in the 2015-16 B&I Cup and subsequent tournaments.

“The WRU representatives on the rugby management board support the proposal, with final WRU approval expected next week.

“I wanted to let you know prior to next week and am sure you will support the creation of Regional A teams.

“It is important to bridge the gap between premiership and regional rugby and I would fully expect Pontypridd to have numerous players in the newly formed Cardiff Blues A team.”

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The news has gone down like a lead balloon at Sardis Road, with Ponty having enjoyed significant success in the B & I Cup and provided their fans with some memorable trips.

They have twice reached the semi-finals, in 2011 and 2014, while Cross Keys were beaten finalists in 2012.

Ponty officials have been deliberating how to respond and revealed their strategy at the club’s Annual General Meeting last night. This will include writing to the Cardiff Blues requesting a meeting with them over the proposed change.

At the AGM, Ponty chief executive Steve Reardon informed shareholders that the Premier Division clubs opposed the regions’ proposal and added that the move did not yet have final WRU approval.

He commented: “In most sports, successful teams receive some sort of reward based upon meritocracy and achievement.

“In Pontypridd RFC’s case, it seems that its fate for being the most consistent and successful team in ‘Elite Rugby’ in Wales over the last five years is that it is destined to be denied the opportunity to compete for qualification in the pool stages of the British & Irish Cup in the 2015-16 season.

“Pontypridd RFC vehemently rejects the proposal to remove the opportunity for Premier Division Clubs to participate in the only cross-border competition for which they are eligible.

“Pontypridd RFC remains open to dialogue, but should negotiation fail, it will use all the means at its disposal including the resolutions carried at tonight’s AGM to oppose the usurping of the British & Irish Cup by the Regions.”