ERC chief executive Derek McGrath claimed clubs may change the format of the Heineken and Amlin Cups when a current five-year Accord runs out at the end of the 2013/14 season but the competitions will not be abandoned.

MUNSTER last night found out the precise date of their Heineken Cup pool finale against Northampton Saints after the English side were granted their request to host the Irish province in Milton Keynes on Saturday, January 21, 2012.

COLOURFUL Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has accused European Rugby Cup Ltd (ERC) of fixing Sunday’s Heineken Cup semi-finals for the benefit of Pool 2 winners Leinster.

Northampton have confirmed their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Ulster will be staged at Stadium:MK in Milton Keynes.

Premier Rugby have stepped into the bitter, escalating row between Guinness Premiership title rivals Northampton and Saracens over prop Soane Tonga’uhia.