Representatives from the Unions and Clubs from the six countries that constitute ERC met in Dublin today.

Representatives from the Unions and Clubs from the six countries that constitute ERC met in Dublin today as part of the ongoing process of reviewing the agreement that underpins the organisation and structures of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup tournaments.  The current agreement runs until July, 2007.

At the meeting, chaired by ERC Chairman Jean-Pierre Lux, were representatives from the English, French, Irish, Italian, Scottish and Welsh unions as well as the Welsh Regions, the Italian clubs (LIRE) and the ERC Executive.


The bodies that represent the English clubs (PRL) and French clubs (LNR) did not send representatives to the meeting.


All parties at the meeting expressed a commitment to the future of the ERC tournaments for season 2007 / 2008 and beyond and disappointment with regard to the current impasse involving LNR and PRL and hope that a positive solution can be found.


It was agreed to prepare for the future of the tournaments and the parties at the meeting will now review a draft document internally over the next four weeks.  The draft document includes points agreed by all parties to the process to date including LNR and PRL.


The next meeting is scheduled for 14 March, 2007.