The Rugby Conference and title sponsor Blue Square have denied reports that the betting company are looking to terminate their sponsorship of the Conference after a report in the Daily Mail.

Talks are currently ongoing between the two parties regarding a new deal.  The Conference issued the following statement:

"In light of an article published today in the Daily Mail, the Rugby Conference and our Title sponsor Blue Square, wish to distance ourselves from the report suggesting that Blue Square are to terminate their sponsorship at the end of this current season.

Contrary to that statement, Blue Square indicate, only as recently as last Wednesday, that they are keen to renew their sponsorship for another three year period. To this end, both Blue Square and the Rugby Conference are currently engaged in talks , with each being complimentary in respect of how the partnership has worked and will hopefully continue to blossom.

The Daily Mail have been duly advised that their article is misleading and potentially damaging, especially in the current financial climate, and has duly acceded to a request to publish a correction in their editions for Tuesday 20th October."

The existing deal, which covers the Conference Premier, Conference North and Conference South expires in 2010.