McGrath predicts change to format but Heineken Cup secure

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.

There have been several sideswipes from England’s clubs about the ease of entry into the competition for the RaboDirect Pro12 sides and yesterday, Northampton Saints chief executive Allan Robson stated: “If you look at English and French sides, we’ve got strong Premiership competitions.

“The RaboDirect Pro12 is arguably less strong and every club qualifies. That doesn’t appear to be very fair.