England's top clubs have backed away from their threat to break away from the Rugby Football Union.

Bristol chief executive Nick de Scossa claimed at a supporters' meeting at the west country club on Thursday night that unless the RFU implemented Rob Andrew's detailed plans for the game - including the controversial proposal to offer the National League clubs only one play-off place - by Monday lunchtime, the entire Premiership would quit.

However, English First Division Rugby, the Premiership's umbrella body, today released a statement which insisted this was not the case.

EFDR claim that such a scenario has never been considered, although they have urged the RFU to end the impasse over promotion because of the financial problems it is causing.

Until the dispute is resolved, the monthly payments of £150,000 to each club will not be released, with the money now owed reaching £600,000.

The RFU have confirmed that they have offered one home and away play-off, with automatic relegation if a club finishes bottom of the table in successive seasons.

"The RFU recognises the necessity of all clubs having access to the very top of the club game," said Brian Baister, chairman of the RFU management board.

"At the same time we also recognise that the Premier clubs will be asked to make significant financial investment in the infrastructure of their stadiums in order to attract the family element to the game in greater numbers.

"Such investment requires a degree of certainty and stability.

"The RFU believes that the proposal put to the second division clubs provides a realistic and balanced solution to all of these important issues."