Representatives of all ERC stakeholders met in London today (Wednesday, 12 December 2012) for the fourth meeting of the consultation process aimed at formulating a new Accord which will provide for the structure and format of European club rugby tournaments for the 2014/15 season and beyond.
The meeting agenda included an evaluation, conducted by ERC, of the merits and the rationale for the proposed changes to the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup, as well as the impact on all stakeholders of any changes to the format and structure of both tournaments.
While the evaluation provided the basis for discussion, the meeting ended without agreement. Jean-Pierre Lux, ERC independent Chairman, concluded the proceedings by calling on all parties to take time to reflect on their positions and to consider the collective objectives of the stakeholders.
Jean-Pierre Lux said: “After four meetings, it is extremely disappointing for all involved that we have not yet made sufficient progress towards a new Accord.
“These tournaments have become cherished by the clubs, players, supporters and our partners. Everyone around the table remains committed to making European club rugby stronger and we are confident a solution will be found.
“Together we have developed very successful and compelling European competitions built on solidarity, inclusivity and respect for sovereignty.
“Ultimately, ERC’s competitions depend on the support and agreement of the clubs and Unions in all of the participating countries, and now each nation must reflect on what is the best way forward for European rugby as a whole.”
While no date was set for another stakeholder meeting, the Board of ERC is scheduled to meet on 6 February 2013 when it will review the consultation process to date.
The current Accord, which was agreed by all stakeholders in 2007, includes a two-year notice period which began on 1 June 2012 to allow for negotiations towards the formulation of a new Accord. The structure and format of both the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup remain in place until the end of the 2013/14 season.
ERC stakeholder meeting attendees:
Jean-Pierre Lux (ERC Chairman)
Derek McGrath (ERC Chief Executive)
Ben Calveley (RFU)
Mark McCafferty (Premiership Rugby)
Bruce Craig (Premiership Rugby)
Michel Palmié (FFR)
Olivier Keraudren (FFR)
René Bouscatel (LNR)
Philip Browne (IRFU)
Peter Boyle (IRFU)
Fabrizio Gaetaniello (FIR)
Orazio Arancio (FIR)
Mark Dodson (SR)
Ian McLauchlan (SR)
Stuart Gallacher (Regional Rugby Wales)
Steve Phillips (WRU)
Notes
• Representatives of ERC stakeholders have to date attended four meetings within the consultation process aimed at the formulation of a new Accord: 18 September 2012 (Dublin), 8 October 2012 (Rome), 30 October 2012 (Dublin) and 12 December 2012 (London).
• Forty four clubs from eight countries participate in the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup annually.
• 2012/13 is the 18th season of European club rugby.
