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Celtic League to avoid internationals

22 February 2005, 3:59 pm

Tournament chiefs have confirmed that Celtic League games will not take place on international weekends next season.

Celtic League board members agreed that none of the 22 league weekends would clash with either the autumn internationals or 2006 RBS 6 Nations Championship fixtures.

It was also confirmed that all three Celtic nations had agreed to sign a new three-year Celtic Accord, confirming support for the cross-border competition in Ireland, Scotland and Wales until at least May, 2008.

Celtic League finishing positions, meanwhile, will be used as the vehicle for European Cup qualification, and it was agreed to end the Celtic Cup play-offs after this seasons May 14 final, with one eye on player welfare.

Fixtures and dates for the 2005/06 Celtic League campaign will be released early next month.

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