Italians added to Magners League set-up

THE Magners League will be expanded to 12 teams next season to include two Italian teams.

The Welsh, Irish and Scottish unions have agreed unanimously that Benetton Treviso and Aironi Rugby should join the competition as part of a four-year agreement.

The decision ends a year-long study into the viability of expanding the competition.

David Jordan, director of Celtic Rugby, said: "This is another massive step forward for the Magners League.

"As well as providing more fixtures for the teams already involved this will also bring both a major cash injection into the competition and greater exposure across Europe."