England's Premiership clubs today once again demanded an end to the on-going dispute that is blighting the game in England.

English First Division Rugby (EFDR) spelt out to the Rugby Football Union (RFU) that there should be "no further delay" in implementing agreed sections of Rob Andrew's blueprint for English professional rugby. In addition they want to see "substantial progress" in the deadlocked dispute with the second division clubs over promotion and relegation.

Earleir reports stated that any resistance to their requests would be met with a breakway by the clubs but that was soon dispelled by the EFDR. They do however intend implementing as much of the Andrew Plan as possible themselves if there is no breakthrough by Midday Monday. The Andrew Plan principles include creating a new Premier League, independent from existing leagues, a relegation/promotion play-off each season and a guaranteed £1.8million per club.

But the Premiership clubs' umbrella organisation also say they want solutions, not a breakaway from the RFU, as claimed last night by Bristol chief executive Nick de Scossa.

Four RFU monthly instalments of £150,000 have yet to be released to each Premiership club, with the Andrew Plan not yet up and running. English Second Division Rugby want automatic promotion and relegation, not a play-off, although RFU chief executive Francis Baron said last month that he couldn't see a way of "significantly improving" the play-off gesture and a ten-year funding plan that might amount to £40million.

ESDR has already rejected that offer from Twickenham, and the long-running episode is now set to receive a further airing when the RFU management board meets next Wednesday. "A breakaway from the RFU has not been considered," said EFDR, in a statement released today.

"EFDR have unanimously adopted the Andrew Plan, as varied by successful negotiations with the RFU management team. "EFDR have unanimously agreed to enter into binding heads of agreement with the RFU to this effect. These proposals include the RFU underwriting £1.8million to each EFDR club in the current season.

"EFDR have called on the RFU to act on the basis outlined in the RFU press release (September 29) to resolve with ESDR issues of promotion/relegation and funding of EDSR.

"EFDR have notified the RFU that in the event that substantial progress is not made on these proposals by the RFU and ESDR by noon on Monday, October 16, then EFDR intend to implement the principles of the Andrew Plan as negotiated with the RFU management team, in so far as they are able to do so.

"EFDR will also call on the RFU to assist the clubs in maximising the revenue from their commercial rights, and providing the funding guarantee of £1.8million as negotiated in order to support the clubs through this transitional period.

"EFDR consider these actions to be an implementation of RFU policy, as passed by the RFU management board and RFU Council on April 7, and not a breakaway. There should be no further delay in the implementation of the agreed principles of the Andrew Plan, and the stated objectives of financial viability and stability."

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