IRFU welcomes Italians to Magner's League

The Irish Rugby Football Union has welcomed the announcement that two Italian teams, Benetton Treviso and Aironi, will bring the number of teams in the Magner's League competition to 12.

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said: "The inclusion of the two Italian sides for next season can only strengthen the competition into the future.

"The Magners League has continually grown year on year in terms of attendances, viewership and standards during its lifetime and the news today certainly continues this progression.

"Ultimately what is good for the Magners League will be good for European rugby and also for the international game by bringing Italian rugby into the competition."