IRISH rugby boss Philip Browne believes the announcement yesterday of expanded free-to-air television coverage of the Magners League from next season is positive proof of a total commitment to the development of the sport in this country.

CELTIC RUGBY, the organisers of the Magners League, last night confirmed the competition will not be expanded to include two Italian teams, comprised of home-based players, next season.

Celtic Rugby Ltd and the Italian Rugby Federation have not been able to conclude a satisfactory agreement for the addition of two Italian teams into the Magners League in September 2010.