Representatives of the three parties emerged from a meeting on Friday having been unable to reach a common ground over the payments the players and clubs will receive from the revenues of the tournament.

President of the French Federation of Rugby (FFR) Bernard Lapasset told LEquipe: There are a few details and points that need to be regulated."

Serge Blanco, president of the Ligue National, added: There is not an agreement in place.

''We have not advanced to a point of agreement on one particular issue because all of the points need to advance before something is secured. It is something that needs to be tackled urgently.

The Ligue National are hoping for substantial funds from the tournament, which would then be distributed to the clubs, and has reportedly asked for between 12-13 million euros, but the federation is keen to hold out for 10 million euros.

The federation also want to organise a fourth Test match later this year in November against South Africa to add to the three already scheduled to take place.

All three parties indicated that further talks were necessary to clarify the outstanding issues, but no dates had been set for additional meetings as of yet.