SportBusiness.com

IRB chairman Vernon Pugh said in a statement after a one-day meeting of the IRB executive committee and RFU representatives in Dublin to review last month's agreement that their discussions had been constructive.
"The IRB were broadly satisfied that the current draft of the agreement between the RFU and the clubs was in conformity with the IRB regulations, but some aspects did raise concerns that need to be further addressed," he said.
"The issues all appear to be capable of resolution and both sides are working to achieve the same objective. The opportunity will be taken for consideration of some amendment of the documents."
Last month, Pugh threatened to expel England from international rugby unless it established control over the clubs.
The English clubs have challenged the authority of the game's governing bodies in an application to the European Commission.
Monday's statement said the application was discussed. "The RFU confirm that, like the IRB, they would make a strong defence against the complaint to the European Commission," it said.
Graham Smith, representing the RFU, said his body would ensure that the agreement was in full conformity with the IRB's regulatory provision.
"The IRB and the RFU will liaise further with a view to the RFU achieving a final form of the so-called Mayfair agreement within the near future," the statement said.
British Lions manager Fran Cotton had demanded England's expulsion from the IRB until the RFU proves it can control its leading clubs.
Australian and New Zealand representatives had also been expected to complain about the weakened England team due to tour the southern hemisphere next month.
Australian officials last week called for sanctions from the IRB, suggesting that they would recommend that England lose their right to host a pool in the World Cup as punishment for sending a second-rate team.