The Rugby Football Union (RFU) hope to agree a new format for domestic English rugby union by the end of February.

The announcement came after a meeting between the RFU met representatives of English First Division Rugby (EFDR) at Newcastle on Thursday.

The governing body says that EFDR no longer need make a presentation to the Union on their blueprint for the game on Friday.

EFDR chairman Tom Walkinshaw's plan for a British League was rejected by the Scottish Rugby Union this week.

On Thursday leading Welsh clubs reiterated their support for the plan although the RFU last week revealed their preference for Rob Andrew's rival plan.

The game's governors at Twickenham said it was "the best way forward for the development of English rugby".

Andrew and Walkinshaw were both at Thursday's meeting and it appears that the RFU are on course to produce a compromise between the two plans.

A statement read: "Representatives of both the RFU and EFDR met at Newcastle Rugby Club today when a very positive and constructive exchange of views took place.

"Both parties agreed to review each other's proposal in detail in order to draw together the common strands, with the aim of moving swiftly to an agreed and viable structure to best support the national teams and Premiership club rugby in England.

"The progress made and the further meetings which will take place over the next two weeks renders it unnecessary for EFDR to make a presentation to the RFU Council on 4 February as originally requested.

"It is hoped that agreement can be reached, in principle, by the end of February."

Welsh opportunity

Despite the Scottish opposition Welsh clubs Cardiff, Swansea and Llanelli have written to RFU Council members urging them to grasp the opportunity of a competition involving clubs from more than one union.

"We are 100% behind the formation of a cross-border league, working in tandem with the European Cup," said Cardiff chairman Peter Thomas.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the unions and clubs to unite behind the common goal of improving the quality of northern hemisphere rugby.

"The Super League proposal also delivers financial security and long-term stability for the leading professional clubs - the financial pain had gone on for far too long.

"Rejecting a cross-border league proposal would be a massive setback for northern hemisphere rugby.

"This is the time to think about what is best for Welsh, Scottish and English rugby."