the Principality Premiership, the second tier of Welsh rugby. The twelve Principality Premiership Teams participating in regional play-offs which saw Aberavon, Carmarthen Quins, Cross Keys and Pontypridd qualify for the competition proper. The Scottish clubs withdrew because of an increase in the number of the pool matches before Christmas, from four to six. Scottish Rugby felt that Scottish teams would not be able to compete fully in both the British and Irish cup and the BT Premiership; the premier competition for clubs in Scotland. 2015–16 Competition Remaining with 20 teams. – twelve clubs from RFU Championship – four Irish provinces represented by 'A' teams – four Welsh regions represented by Premiership Select teams. Five pools of 4 teams, with the pool winners and the top three runners up going through to the knockout competition. Notes References External links Unofficial British and Irish Cup website - latest news, teams etc Results from the BBC rugbyweek.com - BritishandIrishCup Rugby union competitions in the United Kingdom Rugby union competitions in Ireland RFU Championship Recurring sporting events established in 2009 2009 establishments in Ireland 2009 establishments in the United Kingdom Rugby union competitions in Europe for clubs and provinces 2018 disestablishments in Ireland 2018 disestablishments in the United Kingdom Recurring sporting events disestablished in 2018 Multi-national professional rugby union leagues