Rob Andrew's blueprint for rugby union has received overwhelming backing from the Rugby Football Union.

Members of the RFU's management board unanimously agreed that a Club England Task Group, chaired by Andrew, should take the game forward.

They discussed former England fly-half Andrew's document, the first draft of which was released last week.

Andrew believes the season should be divided up into three clear sections - an uninterrupted 22-game English domestic league from September next year to January 2001, followed by a block of European competition and finally the Six Nations Championship in April and May.

The decision is, on the surface, a blow to motor racing millionaire Tom Walkinshaw's 16-team British League proposal, although Andrew and company have been instructed to work closely with English First and Second Division clubs.

Gloucester boss Walkinshaw and his fellow club owners, through their umbrella organisation English First Division Rugby, will therefore have a major role to play in future discussions.

Andrew's group have been asked to prepare a progress report - and an initial financial appraisal - for the next management board meeting on January 26.

RFU chairman Brian Baister said: "The resolution was unanimously approved by the management board.

"All members were keen to stress that Rob Andrew's Task Group should work closely with representatives of the clubs, among others, with the aim of achieving a mutually beneficial structure for the game."

Franchised teams

Andrew's proposals for league rugby would see 12 franchised teams - three from each of the north, midlands, south-west and London - competing for domestic honours, with no promotion or relegation for four years.

Franchises would be awarded, provided clubs meet strict criteria in areas such as stadia, academies, wage caps and overseas players.

He also wants top players to feature in a maximum 41 games, but ideally between 30 and 35, each season.

Walkinshaw, like Andrew, went public with his plans earlier this month.

They include a franchised competition featuring 10 English, four Welsh and two Scottish sides, running in tandem with an English domestic league.

Three Welsh clubs - Cardiff, Swansea and Llanelli - have signalled their intention to take part, but it is understood opinion is split among English Premiership sides.