THE Welsh/Scottish League is no more. Officials from the governing bodies in both countries have agreed to end the competition and the three-year initial contract will not be renewed.

A Welsh Rugby Union management board decided to scrap the tournament on Tuesday and that proposal was ratified by the full WRU general committee last night. The Scottish Rugby Union have also agreed the action.

A WRU spokesman confirmed today: "The decision was taken last night to end the competition."

The two countries will continue to meet in the Celtic League, along with their Irish cousins, though.

And, if the draws go their way, they would meet again in the Heineken Cup and Parker Pen Shield European competitons.

But money has been a major issue, given that the Scottish districts will increase in size from two to three next season with the introduction of a Borders district.

The Premier Rugby organisation in Wales is believed to have met a few weeks ago and asked the Scottish sides to chip in £500,000 between them next season for increased travel and accommodation expenses for Welsh teams going north three times in a season.

Although that is believed to have been only a part of the WRU and SRU's reasoning to kill off the competition, it was a request which the Districts rejected.

There is also widespread concern in Wales that the Scots have brought little benefit to the tournament, though the long-term aim is still a full blown Celtic League starting in season 2004/5.

The lack of support they bring with them to Wales is well known. And Welsh teams point to the fact that the Scottish districts automatically qualify for the Heineken Cup, so there is little incentive for them in the league, especially when coming down to the Principality, sometimes leaving within half-an-hour of the game ending.

They also say it is hardly fair on Welsh teams who need victories to qualify for the Heineken Cup if the Scots vary the strength of the sides they choose. Clubs are pressing for a greater concentration on the Welsh Under-21s instead.