Magners League takes 'massive' step as invite to Italians is agreed

• Glasgow's John Barclay, right, gets to grips with Viadana in the Heineken Cup in 2007 and will face regular Italian opposition next season. Picture: SNS

The leading Italian club Treviso, based near Venice in the north-east, will be joined by a new team, Aironi Rugby, that will represent clubs from the Lombardia and Emilia-Romagna regions of northern Italy, including the two Parma sides that have competed in European competition, and also run a second XV in a revamped Italian domestic league.

The Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) have agreed Treviso will be based at their Stadio Comunale di Monigo while Aironi will be based at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella in Viadana, however, The Scotsman understands they are keen to also use football grounds, previously used for Italy rugby Tests, in an effort to reach out to new rugby supporters and be able to accommodate the possibility of crowds over 10,000 being attracted.

The move, ahead of the tenth season of a Celtic League, follows a year-long review of the viability of expanding the tournament, involving consultancy firm Deloittes and focusing on the basis of long-term financial capacity to support the teams and commit to the league. It seemed to have run aground in January when a deadline passed without the Italians meeting certain financial demands, however, that was swiftly altered when the federation was reported to have come up with a 3 million pot of sponsorship and broadcast revenue.

That brought the nations back around the table last month, but still the SRU were reluctant to agree without a revamp of the Celtic League's own operation, insisting the league required more than one full-time employee, David Jordan, the Scottish director of Celtic Rugby, to cope with the activities of an expanded four-nation, 12-team league.

After fevered debate over the past few days between SRU chief executive Gordon McKie and his Welsh and Irish counterparts, a deal was reached yesterday for development of the administration arm of the league alongside entry of the Italian teams.

Jordan stated yesterday he was delighted with the move and insisted it would benefit not only Italian rugby, but also the game in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, both in rugby terms and financially.

He said: "This is another massive step forward for the Magners League and follows the decision to go to a top four play-off system to determine our champion team (this season].

"As well as providing more fixtures for the teams already involved this will bring both a major cash injection into the competition and greater exposure across Europe. The implementation of the plays-offs and the Magners League Grand Final this season has already seen a marked improvement in the competitiveness of the league and the arrival of two Italian teams will provide another boost.

"Operationally, it will present new challenges, as well as opportunities, but by introducing Italy into the Celtic fold it will also dramatically broaden the appeal of our product."

The SRU made it clear yesterday they had always supported the idea of Italian teams joining up, but alluded to the demand their Welsh and Irish counterparts also follow through with reorganisation of league administration in order for sponsorship and broadcasting opportunities not to be left to one man to develop.

"The entry of both Benetton Treviso and Aironi will give the Magners League the opportunity to enhance the tournament both on and off the park," said the SRU spokesman.

"It does pose many challenges particularly in respect of the future season structure and we will be working closely with all unions in the period ahead."

In Italy, the news sparked celebrations among rugby followers.

Giancarlo Dondi, the FIR President, said: "I am sure the Magners League will bring benefits to all Italian rugby and will have a positive impact on the competitiveness of our national team."