The Welsh Rugby Union tonight gave their backing for a Celtic League after a compromise paved the way for the inclusion of a ninth Welsh club.
Original plans were for a 14-team league in two pools of seven, consisting of eight Welsh teams, four Irish districts and two Scottish districts.
But the Welsh, Scottish and Irish unions tonight issued a joint statement announcing the introduction of a 15-team league, starting in August and featuring nine Welsh teams.
The WRU's support for the league, which will run for an initial period of three years, paves the way for commercial deals to be finalised and a TV deal announcement is expected soon, along with a major sponsor.
The nine Welsh clubs are likely to be Swansea, Newport, Cardiff, Llanelli, Bridgend, Neath, Pontypridd, Caerphilly and Ebbw Vale.
The Welsh contingent, and current Welsh/Scottish League members Glasgow Caledonians and Edinburgh Reivers, will be joined by Irish provinces Munster, Ulster, Leinster and Connacht.
The joint statement read: "The Irish, Scottish and Welsh Rugby Unions are delighted to confirm that the Celtic League has now been given the go ahead by each Union.
"Tonight's ratification by the WRU now opens the way to conclude the commercial arrangements, which will generate significant values for the three Unions and participating teams.
"The Celtic League will run for an initial period of three years and will begin in late August 2001.
"At the outset, it will involve four teams from Ireland, two from Scotland and nine from Wales. A fixture list will be published shortly.
"The three Unions believe that the Celtic League will have long lasting benefits for rugby in Ireland, Scotland and Wales as it will provide a high intensity stepping-stone between domestic competition, the European Cup and International rugby."
The Celtic League is strongly backed by Wales and British Lions coach Graham Henry.
It is expected to raise around £250,000 a year each for the Welsh clubs, a welcome shot in the arm for most clubs, with only Cardiff and Newport backed by millionaires.
Henry will be hoping it also helps to raise standards. No Welsh clubs have made this season's European Cup and European Shield semi-finals and Wales have opened their Six Nations Championship campaign with a defeat and a draw. - PA