Anglo-French breakaway project suffers devastating blow after international ...

Premiership Rugby last night insisted that its new tournament would be “open

to teams from other countries” and it is understood there has already been

declarations of informal interest from a number of clubs in Europe and South

Africa.

But initial approval for an Anglo-French competition first have to come from

the Rugby Football Union and French Rugby Federation. And while both will

face strong pressure from their clubs to back their plan, both unions are

unlikely to support a proposal that is opposed by the IRB.

The IRB’s declaration could also effectively weaken the negotiating position

of the English and French clubs as it effectively gives the Celtic and

Italian unions a veto if they refuse to engage in the proposed new

tournament.

Gosper insisted he was confident that a deal could be struck to salvage the

Heineken Cup and, speaking at a press conference in Canary Wharf in London

to mark the two-year countdown to England hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup,

insisted the outcome would be a defining moment for the global game.

“I think it is important because obviously we want the right outcome,” added

Gosper. “If we believe a full European competition is good for rugby then

yes, it is important. But this is a negotiation. Let’s not get too carried

away.”

Gosper’s appeal for compromise was echoed on Wednesday by England’s

World Cup-winning fly-half Jonny Wilkinson.

“It would be an incredible shame if we weren’t able to compete in the Heineken

Cup which is, effectively, the World Cup for European clubs,” said

Wilkinson, who won the tournament with Toulon last season. “It’s a fabulous

thing and the more people who can experience it, the better.”

ERC has called a meeting of all parties in Dublin on Oct 23 in an attempt to

broker a peace deal in the wake of the decision of the English and French

clubs last week to set up their own tournament.

The prospect of the English clubs, who served notice along with their French

counterparts to leave the current accord in June 2012 to force an overhaul

of the structure, qualifying and distribution of the revenue, of attending

the negotiations however now looks very unlikely.

Wednesday’s meeting, Premiership Rugby appeared to all but rule out any return

to the negotiating table under the ERC framework.

“The clubs see no purpose in new discussions starting as late as the end of

October 2013, as proposed earlier this week,” said the statement.

“The proposals from the French and English clubs for two new, strong

competitions of 20 teams in each were tabled more than a year ago.

“The clubs reaffirmed their instruction to Premiership Rugby to take immediate

action to put in place a competition for the 2014/15 season onwards to

include the French and English clubs, and for this competition to be open to

teams from other countries. It was confirmed that this should be progressed

with urgency.”

Article source: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1778843/Depleted-Ireland-in-rugby-rout-of-Canada

Anglo-French breakaway project suffers devastating blow after international ...