ERC to discuss changes

ERC has pledged to get the consultation process to review the structure of the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup under way before the start of next season.

English and French clubs have threatened to withdraw from the competitions in two years’ time, citing difficulties with how they are organised, particularly with regards to the qualification processes for each country.

ERC chairman Jean-Pierre Lux and chief executive Derek McGrath yesterday promised to “make the necessary contacts in preparation for a series of meetings with representatives of all stakeholders from the six participant countries, which will begin in September”.

The current agreement was signed in 2007, and current structures of the two competitions will remain in place until the end of the 2013/14 season.