Rugby rebels reject calls for fresh talks over breakaway

“No international match or competition involving French clubs can be organised

outside the FFR’s framework without prior approval”.

Even though ERC announced last Friday that it had appointed a mediator,

Canadian Graeme Mew, to initiate talks ahead of the next scheduled ERC

gathering on Oct  23, it is clear that there is no purchase in that meeting.

McCafferty insists that they would welcome interest from any of the Celtic

or Italian sides. Indeed several have already made informal approaches.

Premier Rugby and their French counterparts expect to announce their new

competitive format by the end of October.

“The door is open to everyone,” McCafferty said. “We expect it to be more than

an Anglo-French competition. We know that some teams want to come with us

while others will not be allowed. We will adjust accordingly.”

Under the terms of their broadcast deal with BT Sport, Premier Rugby states

that every club in European competition will be better off. Under present

conditions, the Premiership clubs receive collectively £24million. Under the

new arrangements, that pot increases to £40million. McCafferty believes that

the enhanced commercial arrangement serves the national cause in that it

will prevent young English players looking abroad for better deals.

“That is why we are optimistic of RFU support as the monies will help clubs as

the greater commercial firepower will enable them to keep their best young

talent.”

Article source: http://www.allmediascotland.com/creative/54079/mediacom-announces-second-win-of-the-day-this-time-scottish-rugby/

Rugby rebels reject calls for fresh talks over breakaway