The IRB acknowledges and supports the commitment of the Six Nations member Unions in their ongoing attempts to reach an accord for a genuine European competition that has Europe’s top players and fans at heart.
However, despite progress on key terms for the future of European competition, the apparent lack of a common solution across the Six Nations Unions and their respective clubs, regions and provinces is of concern to the IRB.
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "In order to reach an outcome that is in the best interests of rugby globally, the IRB will work actively with its Unions towards the goal of achieving a unified and acceptable outcome for all stakeholders involved.
"In the interests of the global game, the IRB reaffirms that it will not support any cross-border competitions that are not approved by the Unions of any participating clubs, rugby bodies and host countries in full accordance with IRB Regulations and Bye-Laws."
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