Rugby: RFU to present proposals

English rugby chiefs have agreed their response to Premiership clubs' proposals for the professional game's future.

The Rugby Football Union will now present their proposal to the clubs next week.

Premier Rugby produced their own blueprint, details of which they unveiled last month after talks broke down between themselves and the RFU about Rob Andrew's master-plan.

The RFU management board today discussed Premier Rugby's ideas, and unanimously agreed a draft paper which the clubs should see after Easter.

"The RFU response focuses on partnership and co-operation," said management board chairman Brian Baister.

"Like Premier Rugby, we wish to bring stability and commercial viability to the elite game.

"We intend to present our written response to the Premier clubs during the week following the Easter holiday."