Resolution no closer as rival factions dig in

To have a negotiating position you must have something to concede.

Yesterday, as the dispute over the future of the Heineken Cup became ever more ugly at the competition’s UK launch, it was at least apparent that ERC, the body currently running European competitions, have nothing to give up at all.

Asked directly how they would tempt English Premiership’s clubs back to the negotiating table and end the stand-off, ERC chief executive Derek McGrath offered nothing except a defence of the current competition and an admission the dispute is centred around television deals.