Euro rugby row is a threat to England, says Wilkinson
ENGLAND 2003 Rugby World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson has warned that the national team stands to suffer if a last-minute peace deal to save the European club game cannot be found.
Union and club chiefs from England, Wales, Ireland, France, Scotland and Italy met in Paris yesterday for talks about the Six Nations committee running a competition to replace the seemingly doomed Heineken Cup from next season.
A resolution remains elusive, however, despite more than 18 months of wrangling, and Wilkinson fears the impact a season of no big European games could have as England prepare to host the World Cup next year.
“It’s a great competition and it brings so much to the game, and it would be a sad day indeed if there ceased to be European competition,” said the 34-year-old, who lifted the Heineken Cup with Toulon last term.
“Everyone’s aware of that as they watch it on TV and see teams from across borders get stuck into high-level rugby.
“I’m sure everyone’s intent on finding a solution. I think it’s very important for England.”