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Regional select teams will continue to represent Wales in the British & Irish Cup next season.

That means no return to the cross-border competition for Pontypridd , who have been strongly critical of the switch from Premiership club sides.

Their chief executive Steve Reardon accused the regions of a ‘conspiracy’ and of being ‘downright disrespectful’ when the changes were first mooted a year ago.

He said Ponty had “an undeniable argument” to continue to represent Wales in the tournament, describing the plans as “very poor form” and “inconsiderate”.

At the time, the suggestion was that the clubs would be replaced by regional A sides.

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In the end, Premiership Select XVs representing the Blues, Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons regions took part in the event, which also features teams from England and Ireland.

None of the new sides progressed from their four-team pools, with the Scarlets and Ospreys XVs finishing bottom, while the Blues and Dragons came third.

Ponty had been keen to return to the competition next season and there had been some speculation they might do so as the representatives of the Blues area.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

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But, in the end, the decision has been made to stick with Select sides in all four regions.

The news has been confirmed to WalesOnline by WRU head of rugby performance Geraint John, who took up his post in January.

“When I first came in, one of my first tasks was to look at the B & I Cup,” he said.

“I asked each of our Select teams and all of the Premiership clubs and coaches to fill in a questionnaire and give their views.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

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“Everybody gave us the information back and all the results went into a 75-page document.

“I presented that review to a committee made up of two WRU, two regional and two Premiership representatives and I presented it to the Premiership as well.

“It was decided that the B & I should remain as it is. One team, Pontypridd, did want it to go back to clubs.

“But in fairness to Steve Reardon, he was excellent. He was part of the committee and he said he was there to represent the whole of the Premiership.

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