The 10 teams to take part in the WRU's Elite Domestic Competition (EDC) have been revealed.

Llandovery RFC were announced as one of the nine teams from the Welsh Premiership to take part back in February, but now the final space has been filled by Cardiff RFC.

Cardiff RFC has been awarded the 10th and final place.

The club made it to the second phase of the application process after the first round saw nine clubs being granted a licence.

This decision now completes the list of clubs featuring in the EDC from the 2024/25 season, with RGC, Swansea, Bridgend, Llandovery, Cardiff, Ebbw Vale, Carmarthen Quins, Newport, Aberavon, and Pontypool all set to take part.

Cardiff successfully secured the licence following a rigorous application process that also involved a resubmission from Neath RFC, who were the original 10th team to apply for the first round, but were refused.

Cardiff RFC was commended for a supportive relationship with Cardiff Rugby, the size of the community served, the strategic positioning, role in developing players for regional and international rugby over the last five years, and their rugby plan.

WRU executive director of performance, Nigel Walker said: "Many congratulations to Cardiff who submitted a bid which placed them high up in the rankings on the scorecard we have used for awarding a licence."

According to Mr Walker, the ten licences are now in place and he looks forward to the competition breaching the gap between elite professional teams in Wales and the community game while improving pathway provision simultaneously.

Applications were assessed using five criteria; organisational due diligence, rugby development, growth potential, unique selling point and public interest.

Despite an improved application, Neath RFC scored insufficient points to be awarded a licence which Mr Walker admits will be difficult news for Neath rugby club and their supporters.

For the new competition, the ten licenses will be granted for an initial term of three years.

The new EDC will fall under the governance of the Professional Rugby Board, maintaining a season structure in line with the professional game, with clubs officially partnered with professional regions.

As part of their licence, clubs will receive enhanced investments from the WRU and will have to operate within a new salary cap and meet minimum operating expectations for the competition.

WRU performance director Huw Bevan said: "This new league will join up our senior men’s pathway, but it will also be the shop window for the traditional club game in Wales and all the history and heritage that brings."

Mr Bevan further adds the league seeks to intertwine the long ambitious semi-professional clubs with the professional game, not only supporting the development of high-potential young professional players but also enhancing the quality of the domestic semi-professional game.

Further public announcements about the new competition are anticipated next month, post the conclusion of the Indigo Premiership season.