European Rugby Cup (ERC) chief executive Derek McGrath has urged rebellious English and French clubs to return to the negotiating table in an effort to save the Heineken Cup, insisting there is still time to thrash out a new accord to continue the prestigious European club competition.

It took a bit of time, but the Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Italians have come out fighting in a bid to cut renegade English and French clubs off at the pass.

Premiership Rugby and its French counterparts have been accused of showing a lack of respect during an increasingly bitter row over the Heineken Cup’s future.

European Rugby Cup has appointed an independent mediator in their attempts to thrash out a new tournament agreement for the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup competitions.

Australia head coach Robbie Deans insists having captain James Horwill available for the final Test will not give his side an edge but admits his players have received a massive boost after the skipper’s stamping acquittal was upheld.

Australia captain James Horwill watched the Tour de France during a sleepless night spent agonising over whether he would be permitted to lead the Wallabies in Saturday’s series decider against the British and Irish Lions.

Australia captain James Horwill has responded to an appeal hearing’s decision to clear him to play in Saturday’s deciding Test against the British and Irish Lions by declaring he had been “vindicated”.

Scotland flanker Martin Leslie will go before the World Cup disciplinary appeals committee on Wednesday and attempt to save his international career.