Heineken Cup no nearer a resolution

[tigerburnie]

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/domestic ... er-europe/

Pretty much sorted and the ERC will soon be no more, looks like common sense finally broke through.

[G.K]

More like vested interests having their minds focused by the looming deadline of having to plan next seasons schedule.

I also assume they've had enough free lunches and port for the time being.

[BJ.]

From the Beeb.

It appears the Welsh have said yes.

[drc_007]

From the Beeb.

It appears the Welsh have said yes.

Welsh regions have said yes, the WRU has yet to comment,

More here

http://www.espn.co.uk/heineken-cup-2013 ... 03419.html

[Noddy555]

I really despair for the professional game at European level as shown by the arguments over which competition. Is it really that at the top we are governed
by a bunch of amateurs or does my nose betray me in attracting more than a whiff
of corruption somewhere?

[jgriffin]

I really despair for the professional game at European level as shown by the arguments over which competition. Is it really that at the top we are governed
by a bunch of amateurs or does my nose betray me in attracting more than a whiff
of corruption somewhere?

If you asked about that in Wales two decades ago, there were accusations of rampant corruption in the amateur game, mainly relating to non-playing shenanigans. It was no different in England with Carling's port-nosed old farts in the RFU. I seriously doubt anything has changed with professionalisation, except for the worse.

[Bill W (2)]

I really despair for the professional game at European level as shown by the arguments over which competition. Is it really that at the top we are governed
by a bunch of amateurs or does my nose betray me in attracting more than a whiff
of corruption somewhere?

If you asked about that in Wales two decades ago, there were accusations of rampant corruption in the amateur game, mainly relating to non-playing shenanigans. It was no different in England with Carling's port-nosed old farts in the RFU. I seriously doubt anything has changed with professionalisation, except for the worse.

There is a very thin line between corruption and vested interest.

Why has not JPL resigned??

[Bill W (2)]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24660351

ERC (Unions) have conceded on all points other than governance.

Where now?

[mol2]

I doubt that will satisfy the clubs in England and France.
I think their absence from the meeting indicates they have done talking with the ERC and presumably see no role for the ERC.

[TigerCam]

I doubt that will satisfy the clubs in England and France.
I think their absence from the meeting indicates they have done talking with the ERC and presumably see no role for the ERC.

I believe I read (maybe the RT) that the Eng/Fr clubs said that the talking was over and there was nothing else to say? They would be announcing their own plans?

[Rinzler]

I doubt that will satisfy the clubs in England and France.
I think their absence from the meeting indicates they have done talking with the ERC and presumably see no role for the ERC.

I believe I read (maybe the RT) that the Eng/Fr clubs said that the talking was over and there was nothing else to say? They would be announcing their own plans?

Looks like they already are;

http://www.espn.co.uk/heineken-cup-2013 ... 03567.html

Not really sure what the point in today's ERC meeting was. It can hardly be considered negotiating when the two aggrieved parties aren't in attendance. Too little too late ERC, its not in the Unions hands any more.

[Phil B]

What on earth is going on? A Dog's dinner. WHO is in control? Anybody?

[snipewatson]

What on earth is going on? A Dog's dinner. WHO is in control? Anybody?

Looks to me like the ERC have outflanked the PRL and LNR with a complete restructure. If the 6 unions are agreed, the IRB will back them and the Champions Cup is dead in the water. McCafferty and Goze are left with no cards to play other than the desire to control the competition.

[Bill W (2)]

What on earth is going on? A Dog's dinner. WHO is in control? Anybody?

SNAFU

[snipewatson]

What on earth is going on? A Dog's dinner. WHO is in control? Anybody?

SNAFU

Could you please run that past me again please Bill or I'll be forced to SUFTUM