DESPITE YESTERDAY’S STATEMENT from the ERC that all parties had agreed to work towards a solution that would see the Heineken Cup continue next year, LNR president Paul Goze says says French clubs will not re-sign the Accord.
“We’re not threatening not to participate in the European Cup,” Goze told Rugby365.com. “We’re saying we will not participate.
“We are taking a decision not to play in this competition in its current format. We think that there is no alternative.
“We asked for a revision of the current format of the Heineken Cup and some financial redistribution.
‘We have done everything’
“It seems wrong that some clubs can qualify automatically, while in France, there is a genuine qualification process. We have done everything to try to change that, but without success.”
Despite yesterday’s assertion from the ERC that any new cross-border tournament would have to be sanctioned by the IRB and the represented unions, Goze contends: “Besides, nobody can prevent us from establishing a new competition.”
Goze added that the LNR would continue to make plans for a breakaway tournament in conjunction with Premiership rugby. However, he also said that, under some considerations, he would be open to continuing a relationship with ERC.
“If they back off and we hear a new competition will be created with the format and the framework we have proposed.
“Our model puts everyone on an equal footing. The presidents of the Top 14 all gave us their approval, which is why we can stand together on this.
“I would not allow myself to do this alone. We will now meet with the English clubs to implement this new competition, and assess the work that remains to be done ahead of the 2014-2015 season.”
