French Clubs To Boycott Heineken Cup

The top French rugby clubs have written a statement saying that they will
boycott next season’s Heineken Cup after lengthy debates over fixture congestion
fail to reach a conclusion.

The 14 leading French clubs are concerned at the impact the Heineken Cup has
on their own domestic league, the LNR, and, with the country due to host the
World Cup later this year, the clubs are keen to free up some weekends that have
been allocated to the European club competition.

The World Cup, which takes place in September and October, has already forced
the French domestic league to delay the start of its season.

‘Due to the gravity and urgency of the situation, the LNR has consulted with
all the presidents of the Top 14 clubs,’ said the statement.

‘They have all unanimously indicated the conditions do not exist for the LNR
to sign the new agreement governing the European Cup (due to take effect in
2009) and, because of this, French clubs will not be participating in next
season’s tournament.’

The organisers of the Heineken Cup are also facing pressure from the English
Premiership clubs who are demanding a greater say in how the event is run.

European Rugby Cup Limited stated that further talks on the issue were
expected at the next stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for early February.