ERC chairman Jean-Pierre Lux was able to confirm on Sunday that the leading English and French clubs will participate in next season's Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup tournaments alongside teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

European Rugby Cup chiefs have today announced that top English and French clubs will take part in next season's Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup competitions.

Reigning champions Munster will be in action in the first quarter-final in the 2006/2007 Heineken Cup when they travel to Stradey Park to face Llanelli Scarlets on Friday, March 30 (kick-off 7.30pm).

The 12th Heineken Cup final will kick-off at 2.30pm on Sunday, May 20 at Twickenham, the ERC announced today.