European Cup chiefs decided yesterday to forge ahead with next season's Heineken Cup and Conference competitions despite a boycott by English clubs.
The top 12 Premiership teams withdrew from Europe en bloc earlier this month, protesting at what they term an unworkable fixture schedule.
Their umbrella organisation English First Division Rugby Limited (EFDR) say there will be no going back on the controversial decision, amid growing speculation of an Anglo-French tournament being launched.
The European Rugby Cup Limited (ERC) met in Dublin last Friday and yesterday they released a statement. "We regret the decision by England First Division clubs not to participate in any European competition run and organised by ERC. "The European competitions will continue, and confirmation by the other unions that French, Welsh, Scottish, Irish and Italian clubs and provinces will participate was noted.
"ERC hope that the English clubs' concerns can be reasonably satisfied and that this wonderful competition will continue with full participation by the best teams of all unions."
EFDR's concerns centre on a five-week block of European group games between October 3rd and November 7th next season, claiming that it denies them vital revenue-making opportunities through an effective domestic league shutdown.
But there are suggestions that personality clashes between senior EFDR representatives and ERC directors has equal credence for reasons behind the mass pull-out.
"The 1998/99 structured European season was agreed unanimously by all directors at its December 1997 meeting - in the knowledge that it did not satisfy the concerns of all, particularly France," added the statement.
"The Board is fully conscious that the games between August 22nd and November 7th this year could have been arranged on an alternative domestic/European basis without proving an insurmountable problem for any union.
"Had this aspect been identified as being a fundamental concern then it could have been addressed and ERC is very ready to do so."
ERC also announced yesterday an undisclosed increase in prize money and travel expenses to clubs next term, with a predicted £3 million sum payable to unions whose teams reach the latter knock-out stages.
"This sum excludes income generated by each club, who retain all gate receipts for home pool matches and a lion's share of the gate in the quarter-final round, plus other match related income," ERC added.
