English clubs forced into Euro climbdown by French ‘partners’

England’s clubs have edged back from the brink of exclusion from European competition next season following a dramatic day in a dispute destined to continue for another year.

Premiership Rugby has indicated it may be willing to participate in a tournament run by European Rugby Cup (ERC) for 2014-15 if an acceptable alternative is put in place for 2015-16.

The climbdown comes after the presidents of the French clubs, represented by Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR), agreed at a meeting at Orly Airport near Paris yesterday to commit to the ERC-run format announced by the unions last week.