England’s top-flight clubs have reiterated that they will not take part in the Heineken Cup next season, even though the decision leaves them seemingly isolated in Europe.
English and French clubs gave notice 17 months ago that they would leave and form
But last week French teams committed to the current tournament – as long as their English counterparts also did.
Premiership Rugby said the English clubs are “now pursuing other options”.
Disagreements about the Heineken Cup’s qualification criteria, voting structure, income distribution and future television rights are the reasons behind the proposed breakaway, which is called the Rugby Champions Cup.
Premiership Rugby – the umbrella organisation for England’s biggest clubs – has always insisted that from next season English clubs will not take part in any tournament organised by European Rugby Cup (ERC), which runs both the Heineken Cup and second-tier Amlin Challenge Cup.
And on Thursday it confirmed that stance after a meeting sparked by the French clubs’ decision to take part in next year’s Heineken Cup
“The English clubs have unanimously reconfirmed their position,” said Premiership Rugby.
“Having served notice in June 2012, they will not participate in any competitions run by ERC from the 2014-15 season.
“Proposals put forward to address a new structure within a Rugby Champions Cup were agreed by a majority of the Unions in October, alongside meritocratic competition formats and equitable financial distributions. However, these have not been accepted by all.
“The English clubs have worked exhaustively over the last 18 months to propose solutions to the issues with the current European competitions and to provide a sustainable platform to grow the game in the various countries.”
All Pro12 clubs – from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy – were invited to join the initial Anglo-French breakaway competition.
The Scottish, Irish and Italian clubs remain committed to the Heineken Cup, while the Welsh Rugby Union also wants its teams to stay in the competition.
However, Regional Rugby Wales, which oversees the four regions, has expressed an interest in the breakaway tournament.
The Heineken Cup is in its 20th season,
with a new structure proposed for next year’s tournament.
The number of participating teams will be cut to 20 from 24 and revenues will be split evenly between the three leagues – the English Premiership, France’s Top 14 and the Pro12 – should teams from all three competitions take part.
Heineken Cup: English clubs confirm exit from tournament
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