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Rugby Union

IRB chief slams Heineken boycott

09/04/2007

Dr Syd Millar, chairman of the International Rugby Board, has issued a stinging attack on the alliance of English and French clubs threatening to boycott next year's Heineken Cup.

Guinness Premierships teams have sided with their counterparts in France's Top 14 in an attempt to wrestle control of European club competitions from their domestic unions.

But Millar damned the move as motivated by greed and claimed the disintegration of the competition would weaken European rugby.

"The decision by the French and English clubs to withdraw from the European Rugby Cup has been described as regrettable, unfortunate and shameful," Millar said in his statement.

"It is more than that. It is absolutely disgraceful and selfish to destroy a tournament which has developed into a hugely successful and special annual rugby event that is vital to the well being of European rugby."

Millar reserved particular ire for former France full-back Serge Blanco who represents the France's elite clubs and is seen as the architect of the crisis.

"This decision is not about fixing match-schedule congestion in France as was first suggested. Indeed it is difficult for the average rugby supporter to understand why Serge Blanco has withdrawn the French clubs.

"I have always had a great respect for Serge Blanco as a player and a person but in this instance I can only assume he is being very badly advised or he is being naïve."

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