English and French clubs lack respect, says Euro rugby boss
HEINEKEN Cup chiefs ERC have accused English and French league bosses of a lack of respect in their attempts to form a rival competition.
ERC chairman Jean–Pierre Lux also called Premiership Rugby’s contract with BT Sport to broadcast the new tournament “questionable”.
An Anglo-French breakaway, which would be called the Rugby Champions Cup, has gathered pace in recent days, though Lux refuses to accept that Premiership and Ligue Nationale Rugby cannot be brought back to the table.
“The recent media releases from the LNR and Premiership Rugby lacked respect,” he said.
“This impasse is essentially because Premiership Rugby want to renege on a binding commercial deal in favour of their questionable TV contract with BT.
“I hope we will be able to reach an agreement. It would be disastrous to deprive so many players and fans of the opportunity of participating in such an outstanding tournament.”
English and French clubs want a bigger slice of central revenues and an increase in qualifying places for a new competition.