Noel Murphy, senior vice-president of the IRFU and chairman of the IRFU rugby committee, has confirmed that negotiations are in progress for the involvement of Irish provincial teams in a proposed new competitive rugby series for next season.

Murphy said that talks are in progress regarding the possibility of Irish provincial teams playing in a competition against teams from other countries in season 1998-99.

"The composition of the proposed Celtic Cup, involving teams from Ireland, Wales and Scotland, is now under review. We are in active fresh talks regarding a replacement competition and we are optimistic that we will be involved in a competitive series next season," said Murphy.

He claimed that the IRFU has received assurances from Scotland and Wales that there was never an intention to exclude Irish provincial teams from any replacement tournament for the Celtic Cup. The new negotiations now also include a representation from South Africa.