Italian plans to enter Magners League collapse in cash row

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.

Financial agreements were understood to be the major stumbling block with the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) refusing to agree to a Celtic Rugby request for a €3m entry fee along with a demand for a slice of TV revenue.

In a statement issued last night, the board of Celtic Rugby Ltd expressed disappointment at the development.