THE English RFU and National League club representatives last night failed to reach agreement over control of the sport.

The top two leagues put their case to RFU officials for massively increased control of their own sector of the game TV deals, players' contracts and the structure of League One.

But after a lengthy meeting at London's East India club, the two sides issued a joints statement agreeing to further discussions.

"A constructive and frank meeting took place today between the Rugby Football Union and its top clubs. They have agreed to meet again next week," said the statement.

Last night's meeting was a of a series staged by the new chairman of the RFU executive, Cliff Brittle, who will be a central figure when the RFU hold a "replay" of the abandoned January special general meeting in Birmingham.

Officially, the new organisation, English First Division Rugby Ltd, dismisses suggestions of a breakaway.

Brittle has appealed for unity, but there is big money at stake and the clubs will not be denied their share of what is on offer because their futures depend on guaranteed income next season.

The increasingly militant clubs want the best possible TV deal from their European competition next autumn. That could mean £500,000 plus, which goes a long way to paying the wage bill for the players, who become club professionals later this year.

There is also a strong move to abolish relegation from League One even at this late stage.

It would mean 12 teams in League One next season, with compulsory midweek matches for the first time in the 10th season of League rugby.