THE end is in sight, even if we are not quite there yet.

The latest twists in the already serpentine bid to reach agreement over the future of European club rugby’s flagship competitions came last night with what was, ultimately, a hardening of resolve on both sides of the barricades.

The Stade de France was the centre of farcical scenes last night when Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations match against France was postponed just 10 minutes before kick-off.

Winger Yoann Huget has withdrawn from the France squad for the World Cup because of a breach of anti-doping rules, according to reports.

French rugby chief Pierre Camou has given his backing to Les Bleus’ under-fire coaching set-up following the team’s 34-10 thrashing by England in the RBS 6 Nations at the weekend.