Italian club rugby will take a step up when two clubs join the Celtic League for the 2010-2011 season, the league's site said Thursday.
Participation will depend on a number of conditions being met including ''rules, structures and commercial and TV rights,'' it said.
''It will be a gradual process and will require a determined period of time''.
Italian Rugby Federation Chief Giancarlo Dondi hailed the news that Italy's top two teams will play alongside rivals from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
''The chance of playing in an event of considerable technical scope represents a major breakthrough for Italian rugby,'' he said.
Ireland's four provinces and Welsh and Scottish 'superclubs' make up the Celtic League.
Italy's candidates are Treviso, Viadana, Calvisano and Roma.
Italy had its worst season in years in the recent Six Nations championship, losing all its games and conceding 150 points.
Coach Nick Mallett said the poor standard of Italian club rugby was partly to blame.
The Celtic (Magners) League is one of the three major leagues in Europe, along with the English Guinness Premiership and the French Top 14.
It takes place between September and May, with each team playing every other team on a home and away basis.
The current champions are Leinster, who also won the inaugural season in 2000-2001.
Ospreys won last year.
