GLOUCESTER’S takeover by French company Altrad Participations went a stage further on Tuesday when the club’s chairman Martin St Quinton and Syrian-born French billionaire Mohed Altrad presented proposals to the board of European Professional Club Rugby.

Altrad is hoping to buy 54 per cent of the Cherry and Whites from St Quinton, but the biggest issue for EPCR is that the businessman also owns French side Montpellier Hérault Rugby through Altrad Participations.

Therefore, there is a possible conflict of interest regarding having a foot in both Gloucester and Montpellier where European Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup tournaments are concerned.

Both St Quinton and Altrad travelled to Geneva on Tuesday to present their cases to the EPCR board, and, afterwards, the European Rugby governing body said: “The Board of EPCR has today received a presentation from Altrad Participations (the parent company of Montpellier Hérault Rugby) and Gloucester Rugby regarding a proposed acquisition of the latter.

"At this presentation in Geneva, a number of proposals were received which require further consideration by the Board.

"The Board will continue its dialogue with all stakeholders ahead of further discussion with Altrad Participations and will be making no further comment at this stage.”

The Rugby Union at Twickenham and the French Federation (FFR) are already believed to have given positive responses to the proposed deal.