England and France call time over Europe

Discussions between Premiership clubs and their French counterparts with European Rugby Cup – organisers of the contintental competitions – over a number of issues have been deadlocked for some time.

A statement released by Premiership Rugby said: “The clubs can only conclude that negotiations on any new European agreement have now ended.”

The 2013-14 ERC competitions were due to be the last in their current guise after the English and French clubs served notice to quit in June last year.

They have been calling for a restructure of the competitions, principally over the way money is distributed, and for changes to the qualifying structure.

Despite discussions dating back some time, ERC and the clubs of the Pro12 have so far given little indication of conceding ground.

Now Premiership Rugby have tried to force the issue by announcing plans for alternative competitions featuring English and French sides.

Under the proposals there will be scope for sides from other countries to be included.

The European Rugby Cup directors will assemble for a scheduled board meeting in Dublin today.

In a statement, ERC said: “All parties involved in the ongoing 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 will be represented at a scheduled meeting (today in Dublin).

“While there is a shared sense of frustration among ERC’s stakeholders at the lack of progress towards a new accord, the meeting will provide an opportunity for the parties to review the consultation process to date.”