Premiership Rugby acknowledged the “progress” made in Dublin earlier today but stressed that “there remain some significant ones which have not yet been addressed.”
In a statement released tonight, the English clubs governing body also stated that the details about the format of the new European Cup announced by the ERC were the same as the proposed Champions Cup.
The full statement read: “The formation of the new Rugby Champions Cup was announced by the English and French clubs on 22 September and the Welsh Regions have confirmed their full support this week. The new competitions are open to teams from all three leagues in Europe and the working group continues to prepare the necessary elements in good time for the 2014/15 Season.
“Premiership Rugby notes from today’s statement on behalf of independent mediators Graeme Mew and Stephen Drymer that progress has been made on some key issues although there remain some significant ones which have not yet been addressed.
“Over the last few weeks of discussions, the French and English clubs have reiterated previous commitments concerning the Rugby Champions Cup and provided a number of new solutions for issues raised by the Unions in order to clear the way for other teams to participate, including:
- The new Rugby Champions Cup is proposed to be under the overall regulatory responsibility of the Six Nations for compliance with IRB regulations, the provision of disciplinary services and the appointment of match officials.
- The three Leagues will organise and manage the new Rugby Champions Cup competitions and maximise all the commercial rights.
- In the 20-team top competition, there would be 7 places guaranteed for the RaboDirect Pro12 league.
- Within the 7 automatic places, there must be at least one team from each country.
- The French and English leagues will provide a minimum financial guarantee for the teams from the RaboDirect Pro12.
“Further details of the Rugby Champions Cup will be announced in due course.”
Ha ha what a load of rubbish. All this talk about equal qualification and cash was a smokescreen, this was always just about control and taking it from the unions. Their bluff has been called and now they’re screwed. The RFU and FFR have finally spoken and have supported this plan so unless the PRL and others fall into line, they’ll be civil war with only one winner – the unions.
Whilst i agree with the point about the issue is about control, cash and qualification were always side issues, its not so cut and dried that the unions are completely in control, its still 50/50
Rugby in France and England is privately financed and in reality these are the guys in control of the league and the players. If they decide to force the issue (and i think they will) then they are in the driving seat. The RFU anf FFR do not pay the players, in fact they dont even produce them, the clubs do, and thus if it really came down to it they have the control. Whilst the players are rightly staying out of the argument 90% of them are not involved at French or English international level and therefore if push comes to shove, they have to go with the paymasters.
I for one hope we see a European cup next year in which all nations participate, but I thnk we are heading for stalemate. If that happens the unions could threaten banishement etc, but the clubs are the league, and could threaten breakaway, if that happened then we not only lose HC, but internationals are at risk as well, can the unions afford that? Who wouldpay 90 pound and more to go and see a second string international team…..corporate pressure would be huge.
Who actually has the bigger desire and deeper pockets, remains to be seen, but I suspect the clubs really want this control of this competition, and thus the conclusion is not so foregone.
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