Italy's Rugby Federation has backed a plan for some of its teams to join teams from Scotland, Wales and Ireland in the Magners League.

The move is aimed at raising the standard of the Italian national team.

"The federation board has decided unanimously to add the Italian rugby movement to the Magners League," said a federation statement.

"We will quickly adopt proposals to guarantee the participation of four clubs in the League or two select XVs."

The select XVs are likely to be amalgamations of existing Italian clubs or a collection of Italian players who are not already signed up by top teams in England or France.

The federation also confirmed the formation of a committee to run their bid to host the 2015 World Cup.

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