London Welsh boss ‘open’ to Pro12 switch

Would be an interesting addition to the Celtic competition

It's been rumoured in recent months but London Welsh chairman Bleddyn Phillips has confirmed that his club would consider joining the Pro12. It would mean the club, who are returning to their base in Richmond following their relegation from the Premiership, quitting the English game. "It's a symbiotic relationship which could benefit all parties," Phillips told the BBC. "I think it would bring an added dimension to Pro12 if you are able to establish a London franchise." And while the RFU would have to agree to such a move, Phillips believes there would be widespread support within current Celtic nations towards the opening of a new frontier in the English capital. "We are a team that believes in its Welsh traditions and Welsh roots. "As an option it [the Pro12] is attractive to many people in this part of London. It would be attractive to a number of Celtic teams. "I suspect the likes of Munster, Ulster, Glasgow and Edinburgh would rather fly into Heathrow than to certain other areas which currently participate in the Pro12, while Welsh fans would prefer to come to south-west London than perhaps go further afield. "There would be a degree of support behind the possibility." London Scottish have also been mooted as being part of a possible double switch, but as recently as May, the Pro12 were at pains to deny any discussions had taken place.