Rugby: Jordan hits out at claim Scots will block Italians

The allegation comes from Wales where it is also reported that their four regions could be set to quit the Magners-sponsored competition in favour of a new Anglo-Welsh league involving the likes of Leicester, Bath etc.

"The Scots are understood to be against the introduction of the Italians and they are also putting a block on Heineken Cup qualification for the tournament being based on a side's Magners league position," the Welsh report says.

But Glasgow-based Jordan said: "Whenever the Celtic League board has discussed the possible inclusion of Italian teams there has been a willingness across the board to look at it. That's not to say the Celtic League will approve an Italian entry. We have said to the Italians they need to come to us with a proposal."

The Welsh report blames a possible hiatus on the credit crunch and the need to create new revenue streams in saying the Celtic League could be on borrowed time with any Italian bid likely to run into difficulties.

The introduction of the Italians to play alongside the likes of Edinburgh has been mooted for some time.

The proposal gained impetus in the wake of the Autumn Test series when it was felt that the Italian national side was suffering because of the need to increase standards at domestic level. Since then Italian clubs have again fared badly in Europe.

According to the Welsh media Regional Rugby Wales Limited (RRW), the umbrella organisation which represents the Scarlets, Ospreys, Blues and Dragons, has already discussed the idea of an Anglo-Welsh League.

The report maintains that although no direct talks have been held the Welsh Rugby Union is monitoring the situation in England where clubs are stepping up a bid for more fixtures.

Also highlighted are allegations that David Moffett, the interim chief executive of RRW, met Mark McCafferty, the chief executive of England's Premier Rugby, the organisation which represents the English clubs, in Swansea at the weekend.