IRB re-affirm stand as battle for Europe’s elite intensifies

The IRB have said they ‘do not believe’ in an Anglo-French tournament to replace the Heineken Cup and will veto the proposal if it is put to them.

Chief executive Brett Gosper made his feelings on the situation perfectly clear as he believes any tournament should involve countries from all over Europe rather than just the English and French.

The news will be a huge boost to Ireland’s provinces and potentially paves the way for a bitter legal battle over the future of European rugby.