Twickenham considers NFL-style plan for elite to split into two regions

• Nigel Melville suggests geographical spread of clubs• Premiership still wants to ringfence itselfThe Rugby Football Union has proposed expanding the Premiership to 16 teams – split into two conferences – to resolve the continuing debate over promotion and relegation.Nigel Melville, the interim RFU chief executive, believes a move towards an American model, dividing the league along geographical boundaries, would answer the long-standing issue of whether to ringfence the Premiership. He also believes doing away with the Premiership Rugby Cup – largely a development competition – and reducing …