You are in > manchester.com  > News > Clubs seek fresh talks in Heineken Cup dispute

Rugby Union

Clubs seek fresh talks in Heineken Cup dispute

10/04/2007

Representatives of elite clubs from both England and France have moved to calm the dispute over a possible boycott of next season's Heineken Cup.

Premier Rugby, the umbrella group of the Guinness Premiership sides, has written to the International Rugby Board (IRB) to ask it to mediate in the argument.

Dr Syd Millar, chairman of the IRB, waded into the stand-off over the weekend calling the prospect of a withdrawal from the competition "disgraceful" in a venomous attack on the clubs' stance.

His condemnation seems to have shamed the clubs back to the negotiating table with a statement from Premier Rugby stressing that it was now "time for urgent discussion on how to resolve differences".

"PRL has made it clear that it supports a new European competition inclusive of all countries and under IRB governance, which reflects the interests of all parties," it continued.

"It is encouraging that the IRB wants the voice of clubs in all countries to be heard and listened to within the system."

The climb-down follows noises from the other side of the Channel suggesting that France's Top 14 sides are also keen to avoid industrial action.

"It is a big regret that we haven't been able to come to an agreement," said LNR vice-chairman Patrick Wolff.

"But the French and English clubs are ready to sit down at any table and talk, because the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup is something very important to us."

© Adfero Ltd