The International Rugby Board (IRB) have reiterated their stance that they will not back a European competition not fully supported by their member unions.

In their strongest statement to date on the issue, the IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset has said the organisation will work actively with its unions" in a bid to see "a genuine European competition that has Europe's top players and fans at heart".

Today’s statement read: “The International Rugby Board strongly believes that the establishment of a truly representative pan-European rugby competition that fully complies with IRB regulations and bye-laws is in the best interests of the global game.

“The IRB acknowledges and supports the commitment of the six nations member unions in their ongoing attempts to reach an accord for a genuine European competition that has Europe’s top players and fans at heart.

“However, despite progress on key terms for the future of European competition, the apparent lack of a common solution across the six nations unions and their respective clubs, regions and provinces is of concern to the IRB.”

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “In order to reach an outcome that is in the best interests of rugby globally, the IRB will work actively with its unions towards the goal of achieving a unified and acceptable outcome for all stakeholders involved.

“In the interests of the global game, the IRB reaffirms that it will not support any cross border competitions that are not approved by the unions of any participating clubs, rugby bodies and host countries in full accordance with IRB regulations and bye-laws.”