“The FFR has now officially reminded the LNR that no international game
involving French clubs can take place without the advance permission of the
FFR,†said Lux. “And the RFU has a similar position regarding Premiership
Rugby.
“The recent media releases from the LNR and Premiership Rugby lacked respect.
In June, the LNR committed to the principle of central marketing for ERC’s
tournaments which has been the at the heart of European club rugby’s
commercial success.
“While this process began in 2012, ERC met with the parties during the summer,
with the exception of Premiership Rugby, who refused to engage. They have
never entered into negotiations.
“This impasse is essentially because Premiership Rugby want to renege on a
binding commercial deal in favour of their questionable TV contract with BT
[Sport].
“We have another opportunity for everyone to finally engage with the process
with the meeting on Oct 23 and 24 with Graeme Mew. I hope we will be able to
reach an agreement. It would be disastrous to deprive so many players and
fans of the opportunity of participating in such an outstanding tournament.â€
A Premiership Rugby spokesman rebuffed Lux’s claims, insisting that the
English clubs had taken part in earlier ERC negotiations and put forward
proposals for a “new dynamic three-tier tournament based on meritocracy in
qualification and distribution of revenuesâ€.
The spokesman added: “We entered into the process but nothing happened for 16
months. We pulled out of the [ERC] accord in June 2012 so we are not part of
any [television] deal for the 2014/15 season.
“We hope to be able to reach agreement for a pan-European competition. We are
not trying to destroy the Heineken Cup. We are trying to make it a new and
better competition.â€
Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/431687/Rugby-League-Sam-Tomkins-goes-to-New-Zealand-Warriors-in-record-move
Heineken Cup rebels reject last-ditch talks with European Rugby Cup
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