Ireland's four provincial teams could find themselves playing in the EDF Energy Cup starting in the 2009-2010 season. The tournament is currently the preserve of teams from England and Wales but according to Premier Rugby's chief executive, Mark McCafferty, the Irish sides have expressed an interest in participating.

He also intimated the current schedule would move to take in playing matches during international Test weekends. McCafferty explained: "What we will be doing is moving two or three (Guinness Premier) league weekends out of the international windows and they will occupy slots currently taken up by the EDF.

"We have to rethink the future of the EDF at the end of its current life and we are currently talking to the Welsh about it.

"There is definitely a place for a third competition, but it will have to have more of a development feel to it because, certainly in the group stage, matches will be played when Test players are absent.

"We appreciate we will take a hit financially, but the Irish provinces have expressed an interest in taking part in the tournament.

"It is important that clubs continue to have fixtures during the three months of the year when internationals are played and the EDF has an important role to play as a platform for emerging players."