Heineken Cup Future Assured

ERC chairman Jean-Pierre Lux has in a statement confirmed that the leading English and French clubs will participate in next season’s Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup tournaments alongside the teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

Jean-Pierre Lux said: “I would like to thank all of ERC’s stakeholders who have been involved in the discussions and I am delighted to be able to confirm the future of both tournaments on the day of the 12th Heineken Cup final.

“ERC’s stakeholders will meet shortly to finalise the agreement that will secure the long term future of both tournaments.”

European Rugby Cup CEO Derek McGrath, confirming the news said, “I am delighted we have some good news. We’ve agreed that the English and French clubs will be participating.” 

McGrath said that the finer details of the deal had yet to be finalised but insisted that there was “more than a verbal agreement” in place over the long-term future of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup.