RUGBY'S European Cup is set to be enlarged to 20 clubs next season, including the best from England and Scotland.

Twelve of the leading sides from Wales, Ireland, France, Italy and Romania took part in the inaugural event, with French champions Toulouse emerging as winners after beating Cardiff 21-18 after extra time in Sunday's final.

With England and Scotland to take part next season, European Rugby Cup Ltd director Vernon Pugh yesterday confirmed the event is likely to be expanded to embrace 20 clubs playing in four pools of five.

Wales, France and England could all have four representatives, Scotland and Ireland three and Italy one.

The final place may be decided following a play-off between a second Italian club and the Romanian champions.

Pugh said the first tournament was a resounding success. "For something which had to be pumped into life and at which we had to work incredibly hard to get going, I think it justified itself with the final," the Welsh director of ERC Ltd, the organising body, said.

"Cardiff did Wales proud but the final showed how much we need to do. Toulouse deserved to win because their skill level was higher and they scored two tries to nil.

"However, I am fairly confident that within the next two to three years a Welsh team is going to win it.

"The Cardiff pack were magnificent. they won a huge amount of ball. Even Toulouse were surprised by the Cardiff forwards."

Toulouse's international full-back Stephane Ougier also gave the tournament the thumbs-up, stating I believe this European competition is the way forward for rugby in future years.

It is very important to have international matches between clubs, not just Welsh and French championships. Rugby will be the winner."