European Rugby Cup Ltd (ERC) has convened a two-day emergency meeting in London to try and thrash out suitable dates for next season's Heineken European Cup fixtures, writes John O'Sullivan .

A series of dates in September and October had been pencilled in, but an obvious clash with the 2000 Olympics in Sydney would have scuppered any hopes of live television coverage.

It was then suggested that the pool matches be played in January and February, but that proposal was turned down by the respective unions as it would cut across preparations for the Six Nations Championships.

One side effect of the impasse is that the IRFU is unable to release their fixture schedule for next season as they dovetail with the European Cup. One possible upshot is that the AIB League may now start in late September rather than December as planned.

Meanwhile, Paul Burke's proposed linkup with Leinster for next season appears to have stalled. The former international outhalf is currently plying his trade with Cardiff and, having initially secured a verbal release from the Welsh club, now finds that they have had a change of heart.

Cardiff appear to have reconsidered their initial blessing and there has been speculation that a figure of £20,000 (a transfer fee) has been mooted.

The IRFU's policy on transfer fees is both straight forward and understandable; they won't pay any, no matter who the player might be.