The International rugby board says they don't want to comment on whether or not an Anglo/French competition would receive its approval if the English and French clubs break away.

Yesterday I.R.B Chief executive Brett Gosper said the new competition could receive their blessing if the Unions involved approved it however in a statement released last last night the Board clarified that they want to see the continuation of a Europe wide competition adding that they don't want to comment on approving a new tournament until they are faced with the decision.

See the statement below  

A strong pan-European competition is in the best interests of the development of European Rugby and the International Rugby Board (IRB) strongly encourages and supports ongoing stakeholder dialogue in order to reach an agreement. 

To clarify the global competition procedure, under IRB Regulations all cross-border club competitions require Union approval in the first instance and, if reached, ultimately the approval of the IRB Council.

We naturally support our Unions in their attempts to grow a thriving, genuinely cross-European competition.

All hypothetical scenarios remain just that with discussions ongoing and it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the view of Council, should approval be required.