Irb’s Millar Lambasts ‘disgraceful’ Clubs

The IRB has waded into the row over the European Rugby Cup with the world governing body’s chairman Dr Syd Millar labelling the boycott by the English and French clubs as ‘absolutely disgraceful’.

In an open letter Millar lambasted both the English and French clubs for their actions, stating that they were showing a lack of respct for the game of rugby worldwide.

Commented Millar: ‘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. It will have serious consequence for world rugby.

‘Strong clubs are an essential part of a healthy game. However, it is essential that a good relationship exists between Union and clubs. It is not too late for the Premiership clubs to reverse their decision and have the courage to do so and to show the rugby world at large that they are prepared to work within a system where their voice is heard and has been listened to.’

Millar added that the IRB is attempting to facilitate a solution and to that effect will convene a meeting later this week with senior representatives from the European Unions involved in the ERC to determine precisely what needs to be done to ensure the future of the tournament.

This meeting will follow the ERC’s shareholders and ERC’s board of directors meetings in Dublin this week.

England’s Premiership clubs joined the French National League (LNR), the umbrella organisation of the top two divisions in France, last Thursday in pulling out of next season’s Heineken and European Challenge Cups.

Serge Blanco, the LNR chairman, blamed the English Rugby Football Union’s refusal to hand 50% of its shareholding and voting rights in European Rugby Cup Ltd, the tournament’s organisers, to the English clubs.