Irish chiefs confident Cup has future as boycott fears quelled

IRISH rugby chiefs firmly believe that the future of the Heineken Cup is safe.

Their comments follow reports that France and England’s top clubs will compete in the competition next year.

Ligue National de Rugby and Premier Rugby, the groups representing the Top 14 and Guinness Premiership sides, had threatened to boycott European competition next year due to a dispute with the Rugby Football Union over shares and voting rights in Heineken Cup Ltd.