European rugby in turmoil as RFU talks continue

The new agreement signed between the French Federation and its clubs recently

demanded a commitment that there would be a shift to a new European

governance structure but that has raised alarm within the Home Unions as it

would dilute the power and influence of the Six Nations.

The governance solution proposed by the English clubs in October, for new

European tournaments to come under the governance of the Six Nations with

the commercial rights to be left to the three participant leagues, now

appears to be gaining some traction.

It is likely that the French Federation’s position could come under pressure

from the other unions and from its own clubs to drop its demands that Fira

take charge of Europe competitions.

But while the sands appear to have shifted back towards the position of the

English clubs, hopes of a breakthrough still remain slim.

That continuing uncertainty has forced the English clubs and Welsh regions to

intensify their separate negotiations over a potential Anglo-Welsh league

next season.

The blueprint is for the four Welsh regions to compete in an enlarged 16-team

Premiership that would be played over 33 or 34 weekends, leaving just five

or six weekends free for a possible European tournament.

The main area still to be resolved is the issue of relegation for the Welsh

regions, and what their reaction would be if they are denied the opportunity

to join the tournament by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/406219/Corbisiero-handed-Lions-debut

European rugby in turmoil as RFU talks continue