More talks will take place between the RFU and English Second Division Rugby in a bid to secure agreement on the issue of automatic promotion and relegation.

RFU management chairman Brian Baister said after the RFU Council special meeting at Twickenham: "It was essential that we reached an agreement in principle today.

"We now have two very important steps to make. The next step is to reach an agreement with ESDR.

"If this is achieved we will then work towards putting together two legally binding agreements with EFDR and ESDR respectively.

"The proposed agreement potentially represents a turning point for the game. It provides the RFU with a more equitable and productive partnership with its leading clubs and also ensures a long-term structure, which is vital to ensure that we can attract sponsors and funding for the sport."

The Reform Group, self-styled champions of England's grass roots clubs, had threatened to call a special general meeting of the RFU if the Council gave its Heads of Agreement backing.

The RFU can now only wait and see whether they carry out that threat.