Blanco explains reasons behind Heineken Cup boycott

Serge Blanco and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR), the offical representatives from the French Top-14 Championship, have made the explovie decision to boycott next season's Heineken Cup.

Blanco said: "The negotiations are at an impasse and the responses to our questions have been insufficient," Blanco said.

"We are not quitting the European Cup; we are refusing to sign up for a poorly-defined structure. We actually deplore the blockade put on the Paris Accord negotiations by the disagreement between the English union and their clubs."

Blanco has alleged that the English RFU have not played their part in dividing up the monies: "We were told that each nation had to come to an agreement themselves. The FFR played the game 100% and gave us almost half of the share," said Blanco.

"However, their opposite numbers in England, having agreed to do the same, went back on their word.

"They have by-passed their clubs, with whom they are contracted until 2009. We were not willing to also become hostages to the English union and to drift on even longer in uncertainty."

It comes at a time when the French Frederationare in negotiations with Canal+ about the renewal of television rights to the French Championship.

"Unfortunately, the European Cup is the only leverage we have for our protest against an international calendar which doesn't take into account the issues and the complexities of club rugby," said Blanco.

This is the LNR's move to show the rest of Europe how serious they are about the situation concerning their club game. It is now up to others, including the European Rugby Cup, the English RFU, to rescue the Heineken Cup.