Rugby

French clubs to remain in Heineken Cup next season

Top 14 sides hold vote and decide to stay under ERC umbrella

Toulon’s Jonny Wilkinson lifts the trophy after winning the Heineken Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium last May. Photograph: Julien Behal/PA
Toulon’s Jonny Wilkinson lifts the trophy after winning the Heineken Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium last May. Photograph: Julien Behal/PA
Thu Nov 28 2013 - 15:47

France’s Top 14 sides are set to remain in the Heineken Cup next season after a meeting today in Orly, according to reports in French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique.

According to the paper’s website, the French clubs “have decided to disassociate from their English counterparts and remain under the umbrella of the ERC”.

The French National Rugby League convened a meeting today to discuss the draft proposals for a breakaway Rugby Champions Cup that would involve the top sides from England’s Premiership and the Top 14 leading a new European competition.

The decision followed a vote, although not all clubs are believed to have backed the decision to stay with the ERC.

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