ERC says Heineken Cup future secure

ENGLISH and French clubs will play in next season’s European Cup and Challenge Cup, tournament organisers ERC confirmed yesterday following a meeting at Twickenham between all stakeholders.

“We would like to thank all of ERC’s stakeholders who have been involved in discussions, and I am delighted to be able to confirm the future of both tournaments on the day of the 12th Heineken (European) Cup Final,” said ERC chairman Jean-Pierre Lux. “ERC stakeholders will meet shortly to finalise the agreement that will secure the long-term future of both tournaments.”

English and French clubs had threatened to boycott European rugby union’s showpiece tournaments.