Divisions grow as ERC accuses Euro rebels of ‘lacking respect’

Premiership Rugby and its French counterparts have been accused of showing a lack of respect during an increasingly bitter row over the Heineken Cup’s future.

English and French clubs have announced plans for a new tournament next season, the Rugby Champions’ Cup. And Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty said he expects Celtic and Italian teams to join them.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) , though, indicated it would not support such a venture. Any Anglo-French breakaway tournament would require FFR and Rugby Football Union approval as respective governing bodies.