RFU Council Vote Crucial To Heineken Cup Future

The RFU Council is to hold a vote on Friday on a resolution to the ongoing row
over the future of the Heineken Cup which would see the Premiership clubs handed
equal shareholding in the tournament.

The lack of equality in the running of the tournament between the RFU and the
clubs has caused Premier Rugby – the top flight clubs’ representative body – to
withdraw its members from European competition following the lead of their
French counterparts.

Thus far the RFU has refused to buckle to the ongoing demands for equal
shareholding and voting rights but, with pressure building, a council member
proposed a motion to establish equality and save the tournament.

A vote on the motion is to be held on Friday which, if successful, would
place the RFU management board under immense pressure to accept the demands of
the clubs.

As things stand the European club competition could feature England’s
National League One clubs if the impasse is not resolved.

Separately International Rugby Board chairman Syd Millar met with French
clubs, on Monday, and will hold talks with Premiership representatives on
Saturday in an attempt to resolve the issue.