ERC chairman confirms future of rugby tournaments

ERC chairman Jean-Pierre Lux was able to confirm on Sunday that the leading English and French clubs will participate in next season's Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup tournaments alongside teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

Jean-Pierre Lux said: "I would like to thank all of ERC's stakeholders who have been involved in the discussions and I am delighted to be able to confirm the future of both tournaments on the day of the 12th Heineken Cup final.

"ERC's stakeholders will meet shortly to finalise the agreement that will secure the long term future of both tournaments."

It will put an end to all the fear, held by all the clubs and unions, that the competition would crumble just as it is reaching its peak.