Rugby: Prospect of new set-up is revisited

The prospect of a British and Irish rugby league is back on the agenda today. But Scottish Rugby, owners of Edinburgh and Glasgow, may have to move quickly to avoid being left behind.

Leicester are reportedly driving a move that would change the landscape of the sport amidst claims that their chairman, Peter Toms, has begun talks with sides from Ireland and Wales.

"We have chatted to some of the provincial clubs in Ireland and Wales who are not particularly happy with the Magners League about a way forward.

"We're in the 13th season of (English] Premiership rugby and we've got to accept the sport has moved on," says Toms.

"If you were to take Leinster, Munster, Ospreys, Northampton and ourselves they are certainly capable on a good day of beating several of the highly-rated international sides.

Welsh legend Barry John is also arguing: "The regional game in Wales has become stagnant and is lacking in real energy, charisma and class."