The Irish Rugby Football Union have welcomed the announcement that two Italian teams will be entered into the Magners League for next season. Tournament organisers, Celtic Rugby has confirmed that Benetton Treviso and the newly-created Aironi Rugby have been invited to take-part for the next four years. The move is the culmination of a year-long review of the competition, which appeared to have broken-down without agreement just last month when the Italian clubs baulked at having to stump-up three million euro to cover the additional costs involved for the 10 existing teams. The expansion also came under threat when potential franchises in Rome and Calvisano failed to materialise. Instead, the two newcomers will both be based in Northern Italy – Treviso are Italy’s biggest club while Aironi will be an amalgamation of existing teams from around Milan and Bologna. Commenting on the announcement, IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said: “The inclusion of the two Italian sides for next season can only strengthen the competition into the future. The Magners League has continually grown year on year in terms of attendances, viewership and standards during its lifetime and the news today certainly continues this progression. Ultimately what is good for the Magners League will be good for European rugby and also for the international game by bringing Italian rugby into the competition”.