Europe's rugby authorities have left the door open for English clubs to compete in the European Cup and Shield tournaments. Meeting in Dublin yesterday, the board of the European Rugby Cup (ERC) decided that the English clubs would have until next Wednesday to reconsider their decision not to take part.

Clubs from France, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Italy, Romania, Spain and Portugal are committed to the two competitions. There will be at least 16 teams in the European Cup and 21 in the Shield. Stade Francais, Perpignan, Toulouse, Begles-Bordeaux and Colomiers have all confirmed via the French Federation that they will take part.

"In light of representations made by the French directors, the ERC board has decided to set up a sub-committee to examine issues of vital importance to the future benefit of the European tournaments," said ERC chairman Tom Kiernan.

"This sub-committee will comprise one representative each from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France and Italy and is expected to report back to the main board within two months," Kiernan said.