Deal brokered in media stand-off

Reuters and Agence France-Presse have ended their coverage suspension the Rugby World Cup following last-ditch talks with tournament organisers.

Agreement was reached on the use of photographs on websites less than two hours before the opening match between France and Argentina in Paris.

The Associated Press, Getty and the European Pressphoto Agency had also suspended coverage.

The agencies, joined in their protest by influential French sports daily L'Equipe, and a 40-strong world news media coalition, had suspended all text, photographic and TV cover from Thursday.

But after pleas from the French Government, the European Union and after representations from sponsors, talks took place between both sides this evening.

A joint statement by World Cup organisers and the media coalition said: "Both sides agree that still photographs used on websites should not be presented in a way which 'emulates video'.

"For the Rugby World Cup 2007 only, news and sports websites will be allowed to use a maximum number of stills during games of 200 (including extra time). The stills will not be used at a frequency of greater than one still per 30 second. Use at  other times will remain unrestricted."

Both sides will meet again in Paris on Monday to discuss the other key issue - restrictions on TV coverage of non-match day events which is currently limited to three minutes per day for non-rights holders.

"Immediately after the event (as soon as practicable), a first meeting will take place to begin to address the wider issues that have divided the two sides including the recognised need to canvas opinions of a wider cross-section of news media sectors," the statement said, and added: "Both parties will make all reasonable efforts to facilitate coverage of Rugby World Cup 2007."

Tonight's agreement means that full coverage will be provided of the opening match as well as three further pool games on Saturday and four on Sunday.