English clubs clarify their position on Europe
Premier Rugby (PRL) has requested a meeting with the International Rugby Board (IRB) chairman Dr Syd Millar to discuss the impasse regarding the future of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup competitions.
The PRL, the umbrella body representing the Guinness Premiership clubs, also issued a statement designed to clarify what has become an increasingly bewildering dispute.
Firstly, the PRL insists that the withdrawal of the English sides from next season’s European competitions is not a “boycott” as “all parties are aware that the current 8 year agreement for [European Rugby Cup] ERC comes to an end after this season.”
Summing up the English position on the row, the PRL said that the “clubs are simply asking for equal recognition and status in any new agreement.”
The statement also declared that “at no stage have PRL and [Ligue Nationale de Rugby] LNR sought any increase in their relative financial distribution from ERC.”
What the PRL does want is an equal footing in what they are now describing as a “new” tournament.
“Now is not a time for accusation. It should be a time for urgent discussion on how to resolve differences, and should involve all the parties,” read the statement.
“PRL has made it clear that it supports a new European competition inclusive of all countries and under International Rugby Board (IRB) governance, which reflects the interests of all parties.
“It is encouraging from yesterday’s statement that the International Rugby Board wants the voice of clubs in all countries to be heard and listened to within the system.
“Therefore, PRL has today [Thursday] written to the Chairman of the IRB asking for a meeting together with LNR, the Rugby Football Union and the Federation Francaise de Rugby.”
Dr Millar lambasted the English and French clubs for their “absolutely disgraceful” decision to withdraw from both tiers of European competition next season.
The IRB chairman also attacked French clubs chief Serge Blanco for his role in the stand-off and accused English elements of trying to “destroy” the tournaments.
But he also confirmed the importance of club rugby in the fabric of the world game and called for rapprochement in order to save the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup.
The Anglo-French clubs’ decision not to compete in Europe stems from the RFU’s refusal to hand 50 per cent of its shareholding and voting rights in ERC to Premier Rugby.
Premier Rugby’s statement in full:
PRL clubs have noted with some disappointment the commentary over the weekend, most of which does not accurately reflect the current situation:
* The term ‘boycott’ has been liberally used. However, all parties are aware that the current 8 year agreement for ERC comes to an end after this season. This is why negotiations have taken place for over 12 months, regrettably as yet without success.
* During this time, PRL and Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) have made at least four proposals for a new agreement.
* At no stage have PRL and LNR sought any increase in their relative financial distribution from ERC.
* Clubs are simply asking for equal recognition and status in any new agreement.
Now is not a time for accusation. It should be a time for urgent discussion on how to resolve differences, and should involve all the parties.
PRL has made it clear that it supports a new European competition inclusive of all countries and under International Rugby Board (IRB) governance, which reflects the interests of all parties.
It is encouraging from yesterday’s statement that the International Rugby Board wants the voice of clubs in all countries to be heard and listened to within the system. Therefore, PRL has today written to the Chairman of the IRB asking for a meeting together with LNR, the Rugby Football Union and the Federation Francaise de Rugby.
