An agreement has been reached for the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) to join Celtic Rugby as an equal partner from this summer, with two Italian teams continuing to compete in the four-nation tournament for the next four years.

The news comes after a meeting between the FIR and the three Celtic unions in London on Tuesday.

It is not yet known what two teams will represent Italy in the competition, but the terms, believed to include an end to the FIR’s €3 million payment to take part, have been agreed.

RaboDirect will end their sponsorship of the Pro12 competition at the end of this season.