SALE Sharks are heading for a showdown with English rugby union's governing body over controversial plans to revamp the Premiership.

The chief executive of Sharks - the reigning Guinness Premiership champions - has slammed the RFU amid suggestions that the body is stepping up its bid to regain control of the game.

Niels de Vos has spoken out over claims that the RFU plans to create a new top flight with 10 franchise clubs - which would effectively consign Sale, London Wasps, Gloucester and Leicester Tigers to the history books.

The claims were leaked in a national newspaper last week, but amid the uproar which followed, the RFU issued a denial.

That denial however has not been entirely accepted by the clubs' owners, and they are now preparing for battle.

It is set to be the latest in a series of run-ins that Premiership clubs have had with the RFU since the English game went professional 11 years ago, many of which have centred around the release of players for international duty.

De Vos said: "The vigour of the contempt with which the wider game has reacted to these barmy proposals has forced the RFU to deny that they have any such plans, but I fear the reality may be that there is no smoke without fire."

Martyn Thomas, chairman of the RFU management board, said: "There is very little truth in what's said in the report.

"I regret the fact that something of this nature has been published at this time."

Full story - See Page 56

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