The Magners League could be set to expand if Italian clubs accept plans to apply for the competition.
Celtic tournament willing to listen to proposals
The Magners League could be set to expand if Italian clubs accept plans to apply for the competition.
Clubs from Italy are to discuss a number of different proposals in Bologna on Friday after the country suffered another series of disappointing results in the Heineken Cup.
The favoured way forward would be to join forces with Scotland, Wales and Ireland and form a European Super League - with Treviso coach Franco Smith and Azzurri chief Nick Mallett among those in support of the proposal.
And the Magners League has confirmed the door is open for the Italians, although a more detailed plan of action is required.
Magners League tournament director David Jordan told
The Times: "Celtic rugby has always said it would be willing to consider any proposal from the Italians.
"Until we actually have that proposal, and they tell us exactly what they want to do, we are not in a position to evaluate it.
"We would need a detailed submission and there are a whole host of implications - fixtures and scheduling, commercial, financial costs of travel to Italy, television and a number of other factors.
"There is certainly a willingness to listen to whatever proposals they want bring.
"There cannot be any guarantees, but we are certainly willing to have a serious look at it."
