Clubs agree salary cap freeze

It was also agreed to implement "a series of other cost control measures" following a meeting of Guinness Premiership club chairmen and shareholders.

Premier Rugby additionally want to increase the number of Premiership fixtures.

Any games on top of the existing schedule though would require Rugby Football Union consultation and agreement under a new long-term deal thrashed out last year between the Rugby Football Union and Premiership clubs.

One possibility could see clubs playing league fixtures on current Anglo-Welsh weekends, adding up to five rounds of league action to the 22-game Premiership programme.

Another option would be to expand the existing title play-off format, which presently uses a semi-finals and final system.

The Premier Rugby board will discuss proposals further at its meeting next Tuesday, hoping to finalise matters in the next few weeks. It was also concluded to retain the Premiership at its existing size of 12 clubs.

"Clubs and players were consulted in advance, and over the course of the meeting the chairmen reviewed a series of options," said Premier Rugby, in a statement. "They were particularly focused on the measures necessary to continue the growth of the club game over the next two years in a very difficult economic climate.

"It was concluded that the league should remain at 12 clubs; it was strongly reconfirmed that existing playing contracts should be honoured, but the salary cap would be frozen at £4m for the next two seasons and a series of other cost control measures would be implemented.

"In order to maintain the salary cap at the current level, avoid salary cuts and maintain jobs, Guinness Premiership fixtures must be increased, particularly over strong periods for the clubs and their supporters, such as Christmas and New Year."