By splitting the league into two conferences of seven, the organisers have kept the door open to further expansion. “This is not the end of our expansion, just the beginning,” the Pro14’s chief executive, Martin Anayi, said. “In England and France they are looking seriously at costs: there is not an endless pit of money in rugby. Zebre came close to folding earlier this year but Anayi believes Italy will start to make an impact in the Pro14. • This is an extract taken from the Breakdown, the Guardian’s weekly rugby union email.

Source: The Guardian August 30, 2017 11:34 UTC