A joint statement issued Monday read: "Following an exchange of letters last week, the RFU and EFDR agreed to move forward in partnership, hoping to put in place a new cross-border or European tournament to take the place of the current competition.

"The clubs are keen to institute a new tournament this season and, while concerned about the practicality and mindful of time constraints, the RFU has stated it has no objection in principle to this.

"The approval of the other unions to a cross-border competition is required under current International Board rules, and the RFU has agreed to open urgent discussion with the other unions and has already written to them."