Premier Rugby Limited (PRL) and National de Rugby (LNR) have issued the following statement...

"Representatives of Ligue National de Rugby (LNR) and Premier Rugby (PRL) met today in Paris. They have noted their unanimity on points of common interest and have decided to recognise these by establishing a formal alliance.

"The purpose of the alliance will be to secure the long term future of professional clubs who represent the basis for top level rugby in France and England and who have demonstrated this through their sporting and commercial success over the last decade.

"Further to this meeting, the English and French professional leagues have reconfirmed their joint position from October 2006 concerning the acceptance of a new agreement for European competitions.

"LNR and PRL look forward with interest to their first official meeting with the IRB Chairman which should begin a dialogue on the major challenges facing professional rugby."