Two Italian teams are set to be introduced into the Magners League from the 2010/2011 season.

A number of conditions must first be met before the arrangement will be confirmed, with John Hussey, chairman of Celtic Rugby, saying: "These conditions, which will be clearly defined, fall under main headings of playing and facility standards, finance and commercial including television.

"The Magners League is one of the top professional rugby union tournaments in the world," Hussey added.

"The quality of the Magners League is demonstrated by the fact that in the deciding 6 Nations match between Wales and Ireland no less than 42 out of the 44 players that took part in that historic match play their rugby in The Magners League.
 
"Four of this season's Heineken Cup quarter-finalists are Magners League teams. It is essential that any changes to the structure of this great competition maintain the highest standards."