Heineken Door Still Open

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The "door is still open" for Europe's top clubs to help find a solution to the row over the Heineken Cup's future, says the competition's organiser.

English and French clubs will quit the tournament next year in favour of the proposed Rugby Champions Cup.

European Rugby Cup (ERC), which has run the Heineken Cup since it began in 1995, wants to reopen talks with clubs.

"The future is best served by doing what we have all been doing for 18 years," said ERC chief Derek McGrath.

"ERC wishes to encourage everybody back to the table. There is a lot of activity to try to find solutions.

"We have stated many times that we absolutely believe that we will only find agreement when we have the full engagement of all the parties around the table. We haven't had that yet.

"We haven't had engagement and we haven't had negotiation, which is critical to find progress."

English Premiership and French Top 14 clubs are serving a notice period to leave ERC-run competitions and will not attend talks planned by the organising body next month.

They believe the Heineken Cup structure favours teams from the Pro12, which is made up of sides from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy.

Only the top six in England and France are guaranteed a place in the Heineken Cup, whereas at least 10 Celtic League outfits - including both Scottish, both Italian and a minimum of three sides each from Wales and Ireland - have certain entry into the competition.

With the Pro12 having no relegation, it is argued teams can rest players for league matches to keep them fresh for Europe, while Premiership and Top 14 teams have to fight hard just to qualify.

The English and French clubs are also unhappy with the way revenues are split between the three leagues and want to keep a greater share.

Pro12 clubs will be allowed to join the potential new tournament, but the Welsh, Scottish and Irish Rugby Unions want "full approval" of the International Rugby Board (IRB) for their clubs to take part.

Despite the English and French clubs' insistence on forming a breakaway competition, ERC chief executive McGrath insists there is still time to reach an agreement for all of Europe's top clubs to continue playing in the Heineken Cup.

"All parties bear a responsibility to find those solutions," he added at Monday's English and French launch of this season's Heineken and Amlin Challenge Cup competitions in Cardiff.

"Walking away is not respecting the obligations to those, in particular, who are not sitting at the table - the fans, the players, the sponsors - who have a significant interest in the future of the competitions.

"I sincerely believe it is in everyone's best interests to come to the meeting."

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Heineken Rugby Faces Breakaway

Top-flight English and French clubs say they are to set up a new tournament to replace the Heineken Cup from next season.

The clubs gave notice last year of their intention to pull out of the two existing European competitions at the end of 2013-14.

They are unhappy with the differing ways teams qualify for the Heineken Cup and how proceeds are shared.

The new format would include English and French teams and be open to others.

The Heineken Cup, which began in the 1995-96 season, features teams from England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy.

But English and French clubs argue their counterparts in the other four nations have an unfair advantage in Europe.

With the Pro12 having no relegation, teams can rest players for league matches to keep them fresh for Europe, while the two Scottish and two Italian clubs are guaranteed a Heineken Cup place.

Premiership Rugby, which represents the 12 top-flight English clubs, said in a statement it had proposed the formation of two 20-team competitions to replace the Heineken Cup and second-tier Amlin Challenge Cup.

But it said "discussions have been unsuccessful and the clubs can only conclude that negotiations on any new European agreement have now ended".

It added: "Given the importance and urgency of the current position, and the reconfirmation that the French clubs will not participate in any competition unless it includes the English clubs, the clubs have now asked Premiership Rugby to take immediate action to put in place a competition for 2014-15 to include the French and English clubs but which will also be open to teams from other countries."

European Rugby Cup, which runs both European club competitions, said all parties involved in the consultation process would be represented at a scheduled meeting of its board in Dublin on Wednesday.

It added in a statement: "While there is a shared sense of frustration among ERC's stakeholders at the lack of progress towards a new accord, the meeting will provide an opportunity for the parties to review the consultation process to date."

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Rugby Champions Cup

The proposed replacement for the Heineken Cup will be called the Rugby Champions Cup, English and French clubs have announced.

They will quit the Heineken Cup at the end of this season because they object to the current set-up for a number of reasons.

The issues include qualification and the way revenue is shared.

A Premiership Rugby statement said: "The competition will be based on the principles of qualification on merit."

Premier Rugby added the new tournament will have "a strong competition format, equality between the leagues, higher commercial values for the teams and expansion into new European markets".

A statement concluded: "The Top 14 and Premiership Rugby clubs have already confirmed their participation in the new competition and a joint working group has been created to prepare all necessary elements in good time for the 2014-15 season."

The International Rugby Board said it will only back the new pan-European club idea if the French and English unions approve it.

Premiership Rugby chairman Quentin Smith told BBC Radio 5 live he does not expect them to stand in the clubs' way.

"They are probably sitting on the fence at the moment and keeping an eye on what's happening," he said. "I can't see any reason why the unions wouldn't agree to, approve and support the initiative."

According to Smith, the English and French clubs have had "extremely positive responses" from other clubs and unions about joining the new competition, and he will be "astonished" if there is not a big take-up.

"We are moving at a very good pace," he added. "The name demonstrates there is something real that we have created. This isn't living in a world of concepts anymore.

"We have put a stake in the ground and said: 'We are here and moving forward from here'. There is no purpose in continuing to play with one's food, eventually you have to eat."

Smith reiterated that the English and French clubs will not be involved in any competition operating under the auspices of European Rugby Cup (ERC) next season, despite ERC scheduling further talks - mediated by barrister Graeme Mew - on 23 October as they seek an agreement.

However, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) subsequently released a strongly-worded statement giving its backing to ERC.

"No meeting or international competition involving French clubs can be organised outside the framework of the FFR and without its prior agreement," it read.

"The FFR has always been and will remain a major player in the European cups organised by ERC and backs proposals to permit the continuity and development of these."

The Aviva Premiership and Top 14 clubs believe the current Heineken Cup structure favours teams from the RaboDirect Pro12, which is made up of sides from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy, who will be allowed to join the potential new tournament.

Only the top six in England and France are guaranteed a place in the Heineken Cup, whereas at least 10 Celtic League outfits - including both Scottish, both Italian and a minimum of three sides each from Wales and Ireland - have certain entry into the competition.

With the Pro12 having no relegation, it is argued teams can rest players for league matches to keep them fresh for Europe, while Premiership and Top 14 teams have to fight hard just to qualify.

The English and French clubs are also unhappy with the way revenues are split between the three leagues and want to keep a greater share.

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ERC Appoint Mediator

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The body that organises the Heineken Cup (ERC) has appointed an independent mediator in an attempt to resolve the row surrounding the event's future.

Canadian barrister Graeme Mew will help negotiate a new structure from 2014-15.

The ERC's Jean-Pierre Lux said Mew's appointment is "a hugely valuable opportunity to find an agreed solution which will benefit all European club rugby stakeholders".

Clubs from England and France have revealed they will launch an alternative competition after announcing their intention to quit the Heineken and second-tier Amlin Challenge Cup at the end of the 2012-13 season.

They feel that clubs from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy hold an unfair advantage in the competition in its current structure, and are also unhappy about how revenues are shared.

Their proposed new tournament would include English and French teams but be open to teams from other countries.

However, the ERC insists it is the only organisation that has the authority to organise European club cross-border competitions.

Mew was recommended to the ERC by the International Rugby Board (IRB).

The Canadian heard the IRB's appeal against the decision by a citing commissioner to clear Australia captain James Horwill of stamping on Alun Wyn Jones during the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in June.

After reviewing the original decision, Mew cleared Horwill to play in the final Test of the series.

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Saving Heineken is Key - Dallaglio

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Saving the Heineken Cup is key to northern hemisphere countries' chances of winning the 2015 World Cup, says ex-England captain Lawrence Dallaglio.

Top-flight English and French clubs want to set up a replacement competition from next season.

Heineken Cup organisers European Rugby Cup (ERC) will hold further talks on 23 October as they seek an agreement.

"There's a responsibility to ensure the best players are playing each other on the biggest stage," Dallaglio said.

"That is especially the case in the build-up to a World Cup, as all but one have been won by the southern hemisphere."

English and French clubs said last week discussions with the ERC had "been unsuccessful" and they could "only conclude that negotiations on any new European agreement have now ended".

They are unhappy with the differing ways teams qualify for the Heineken Cup and how proceeds are shared.

The owners and chairmen of the 12 English Premiership clubs meet on Wednesday as they continue to plan a new European competition, confident their Anglo-French initiative can get off the ground.

But Dallaglio, who won the Heineken Cup with Wasps in 2004 and 2007,is still hoping for a resolution involving all the Six Nations countries.

"We've had a hard job wrestling the World Cup from the southern hemisphere, so we need to have the best competitions in this part of the world for the players to play in," the 41-year-old added.

"That's what the various unions and umbrella organisations have the obligation to do - and privately not publicly.

"I believe the Heineken Cup is a wonderful competition that gives every country in Europe an edge that would be foolish to under-estimate."

Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie feels urgent talks are necessary.

He said: "It's important for a game as a whole that we get these negotiations settled.

"Our view as well is that we would seek to achieve a European competition that would involve clubs from Scotland, Wales, France - wherever."

Meanwhile, England Rugby 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans has confirmed ticket pricing and kick-off times for the World Cup will be announced in November.

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Sam Seeks Tougher H-Cup

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Sam Warburton has backed Anglo-French calls for changes to how Pro 12 clubs qualify for the Heineken Cup.

On Tuesday, the English and French clubs stated they would leave the tournament at the end of this season.

The clubs have plans for an Anglo-French cup and demanded only the top six sides in the Pro12 should qualify for Europe, regardless of nationality.

"I can understand from the English and French point of view," said Warburton.

"I do agree there should be a qualifying system from the Rabodirect.

"I don't think they should hand it out to each country, it should be the top six to qualify and it would make the Rabo more interesting.

"I can agree with the English and French perspective that there should be tougher qualification."

The English and French clubs gave notice last year of their intention to pull out of the two existing European competitions at the end of 2013-14.

They are unhappy with the differing ways teams qualify for the Heineken Cup and how proceeds are shared.

The English and French clubs argue their counterparts in the other four nations have an unfair advantage in Europe.

With the Pro12 having no relegation, teams can rest players for league matches to keep them fresh for Europe, while the two Scottish and two Italian clubs are guaranteed a Heineken Cup place.

The current qualification process from the Pro12 for the Heineken Cup means only Newport Gwent Dragons have failed to qualify for this season's tournament.

Wales captain Warburton hopes a peace deal can be brokered between all parties and expects to be playing in an European competition next season.

The Cardiff Blues flanker does believe, if there is no European competition, it will mean a greater focus being placed upon the Pro12.

"Hopefully, whatever happens, the Cardiff Blues will be playing in the top tier of European rugby next season," said Warburton.

"If that was the case, then at least the standard of the Rabo would be improved because there would have to be full teams.

"I have always said if all the top teams fielded their best sides in the Rabo, it would be a competitive and great league.

"So there are pros and cons and hopefully the Blues will remain in Europe somehow.

"I cannot really imagine it happening and I am sure something will be worked out - and that the regions will play European rugby and I hope that is the case."

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2012/13 Heineken Cup Draw

Defending champions Leinster will have to negotiate their way past Clermont again if they are to retain the Heineken Cup.

Leinster beat the French side in the semi-final before convincingly thumped Ulster in last season's final at Twickenham to clinch their third title in four years.

But they will also face the Scarlets and Heineken Cup new boys Exeter Chiefs in Pool Five.

Four-time champions Toulouse will take on Leicester, the Ospreys and Benetton Treviso in a tough-looking Pool Two

Harlequins will face Connacht for the second season along with Biarritz and new Italian side Zebre in Pool Three

Northampton Saints, beaten finalists in 2011, will take on Ulster, Glasgow Warriors and Castres in Pool Four

Last year's surprise semi-finalists Edinburgh will face Saracens, Munster and Racing Metro in Pool One.

Cardiff Blues, Toulon, Sale Sharks and Montpellier are grouped together in Pool Six

Pool One: Munster, Edinburgh, Saracens, Racing Metro 

Pool Two: Toulouse, Leicester, Ospreys, Benetton Treviso 

Pool Three: Biarritz, Harlequins, Connacht, Zebre 

Pool Four: Northampton Saints, Ulster, Glasgow Warriors, Castres

Pool Five: Leinster, Clermont, Scarlets 

Pool Six: Cardiff Blues, Toulon, Sale Sharks, Montpellier

Heineken Cup in Club Threat

The governing body of England's top rugby union clubs has given notice of its intention to pull out of the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup.

The move comes amid disagreements over how the competitions are organised.

French clubs have also threatened to withdraw, but as two years' notice has to be given the move is perceived as an attempt to force others to negotiate.

"We hope that there will now be an urgent dialogue," said Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty.

In May, Leinster beat Ulster 42-14 in the Heineken Cup final to retain the trophy.

Premiership Rugby's intention to exit the competition will affect such top English sides as Northampton, Saracens, Gloucester, Bath, Harlequins, Leicester and London Irish, all of whom competed in the 2011-12 tournament.

McCafferty added that he hopes discussions can commence soon regarding "the future of European cup rugby, including qualification, competition formats and ambition to expand into new markets".

The governing body's notice period extends to the end of the 2013-14 event, at which point they say they will exit the competitions.