New European Rugby cup (or whatever it is called) - Qualification agreed

by Gibson Tue 19 Nov 2013, 2:30 pm

First topic message reminder :

But didn't the WRU and its regions capitulate and join their English Masters? Have they done a U-turn now? Looks like it.

Unless they want to hype up the Low Value Cup...

by SecretFly Thu 21 Nov 2013, 1:52 pm

He means Wales Regions and English PRL...to him that's a majority of 'home' unions...as it's 12 and 4 =16 teams against 4+2= 6 teams.

In Union terms he's probably looking at a shortfall in the region of 3 against 1.

So he's creative counting his way past that. I don't blame him. He's looking after his shop and talking up his product. The truth of what will eventually happen will be the definitive truth; and then the numbers will mean something rather than being just bullets in all our guns at present.

by Artful_Dodger Thu 21 Nov 2013, 2:01 pm

McCafferty really does talk an awful lot of smack. He has the majority of home nations Unions on board?

Anybody stupid enough to invest anything into the word of this gratuitous liar needs their head examined.

by Sin é Thu 21 Nov 2013, 2:22 pm

ESPN wrote:In addition, The Times newspaper reported today that, "It is understood that a clear majority of the 12 clubs want rid of their chief executive" amid fears that they are alienating themselves from the rest of Europe with such a bold stance.
Read more at http://www.espnscrum.com/premiership-2012-13/rugby/story/169812.html#sjpMkhV6JUJsdt8p.99

http://www.espn.co.uk/premiership-2012-13/rugby/story/169812.html#k83ITBxqU4rhKxUX.99

Clubs have 'full confidence' in McCafferty
ESPN Staff
September 14, 2012

Mark McCafferty, Chief Executive of Premier Rugby pictured during the press conference held at Twickenham in Twickenham, England on November 15, 2007.

Reports suggest Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty may not have the full suport of England's leading clubs

Premiership Rugby has vehemently denied reports that chief executive Mark McCafferty does not have the full support of England's leading clubs.

McCafferty announced a bumper broadcast deal with BT earlier this week that is set to provide a £152m windfall for Premiership clubs but the terms of the 'ground-breaking' partnership - including exclusive rights for Aviva Premiership matches for four seasons from 2013-14 onwards and more controversially, any games played in Europe by Premiership clubs for three years starting from the 2014-15 campaign - have been widely questioned.

The timing of the announcement, just days ahead of a scheduled meeting of European rugby's stakeholders where talks were due to start about the future of the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup beyond the current agreement that expires at the end of the 2013-14 season, and Premiership Rugby's perceived desire to dictate that debate have also attracted criticism.

In addition, The Times newspaper reported today that, "it is understood that a clear majority of the 12 clubs want rid of their chief executive" amid fears that they are alienating themselves from the rest of Europe with such a bold stance.

But Premiership Rugby chairman Quentin Smith was quick to refute those claims with a statement that insisted the deal with BT had the unanimous support of all the members of the umbrella body for English rugby's leading teams.

"On Tuesday evening, the Premiership Rugby shareholders approved unanimously the £152m agreement with BT which is a strong and exciting deal for domestic, European and Sevens rugby," he said. "They have fully endorsed Premiership Rugby in realising this step change for the development of the sport and it partners.

"The clubs have full confidence in chief executive Mark McCafferty and support him in implementing the game-changing broadcast deal. The shareholders have also unanimously supported proposals for the European negotiations due to start next week."

Earlier this year, Premiership Rugby and their French counterparts served notice to quit the current European competition format to trigger a re-negotiation period. Their main concern about the current set-up is understood to centre on the qualification process that they insist favours RaboDirect PRO12 clubs with talks between all parties set to take place in Dublin on Tuesday.

Read more at http://www.espnscrum.com/premiership-2012-13/rugby/story/169812.html#sjpMkhV6JUJsdt8p.99

by quinsforever Thu 21 Nov 2013, 2:33 pm

article from september 2012?

if they didnt get rid of him in 14 months then they obviously didnt want to.

by Sin é Thu 21 Nov 2013, 3:12 pm

Crickey, they wanted to get rid of him after doing a bumper deal with BT - what will they wanted to do to him now!

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 3:45 pm

Gibson wrote:But didn't the WRU and its regions capitulate and join their English Masters? Have they done a U-turn now? Looks like it.

Unless they want to hype up the Low Value Cup...

Have to say that's quite an unpleasant and outdated viewpoint. But one that you're of course entitled to.

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 3:46 pm

mystiroakey wrote:You are not dumb dude. Just marginally paracat

Enough with the paracats already!! Very Happy

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:13 pm

Hugh Cahill on Twitter:

Rumours of a big announcement on the future of the Heineken Cup this evening. And by big, I mean huge. #vivelafrance tune in to @Gameon2fm

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:24 pm

Announcement just after 7pm he says...

Unconfirmed H cup to go ahead without the English.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:25 pm

Hugh Cahill @hughcahillrugby wrote:
Statement from Unions due just after 7pm. Reports I've heard say H Cup to go ahead next season without English clubs. Not confirmed yet

So no surprises then. Sad

Was hoping the PRL would see the error of their ways and do the decent thing for English Rugby fans.

by Gibson Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:27 pm

stub wrote:
Gibson wrote:But didn't the WRU and its regions capitulate and join their English Masters? Have they done a U-turn now? Looks like it.

Unless they want to hype up the Low Value Cup...
Have to say that's quite an unpleasant and outdated viewpoint. But one that you're of course entitled to.

Said with tongue fully engaged in cheek, Stub. But, no one has yet answered that key question. Are the Welsh waiting to see who wins and then make their minds up? Or do they really want to break away from the ERC? Would they form a mini Euro type LV next near? See these things are not being discussed here. Its not all about the French and the English. Anymore.

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:28 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Hugh Cahill @hughcahillrugby wrote:
Statement from Unions due just after 7pm. Reports I've heard say H Cup to go ahead next season without English clubs. Not confirmed yet
So no surprises then. :(Was hoping the PRL would see the error of their ways and do the decent thing for English Rugby fans.

Yep, shame if it turns out to be the case. There was a decent offer on the table.. S'pose we don't know for sure yet though.

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:30 pm

Gibson wrote:
stub wrote:
Gibson wrote:But didn't the WRU and its regions capitulate and join their English Masters? Have they done a U-turn now? Looks like it.

Unless they want to hype up the Low Value Cup...
Have to say that's quite an unpleasant and outdated viewpoint. But one that you're of course entitled to.
Said with tongue fully engaged in cheek, Stub. But, no one has yet answered that key question. Are the Welsh waiting to see who wins and then make their minds up? Or do they really want to break away from the ERC? Would they form a mini Euro type LV next near? See these things are not being discussed here. Its not all about the French and the English. Anymore.

Fair enough Gibson.

Suspect bold bit is correct.

by mystiroakey Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:37 pm

paracat > selfie

by geoff999rugby Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:41 pm

Begs the question how long is the PRL - BT contract for.

e.g. how long could the split last.

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:45 pm

mystiroakey wrote:paracat > selfie

Eh Mysti?

by mystiroakey Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:47 pm

oh right as a new word- I think it was this thread we were discussing what selfie was?

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:50 pm

Ah yes - I did see a bit of that!

by mystiroakey Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:55 pm

I will get Paracat in the Oxford dictionary one day.

by Big Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:57 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:Begs the question how long is the PRL - BT contract for.

e.g. how long could the split last.

The BT contract is for 3 seasons after this one. And as I've said previously the English clubs will have a shortened season in 2015/16 due to not being able to play during the world cup, so can't see them rejoining until 2016/17 at the earliest even if they can get out of it.

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 5:59 pm

Well - Paracat is in increasing use it seems - at least on these boards!

by mystiroakey Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:01 pm

Yes I must get it on to other forms of media- Maybe I will start up a facebook page

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:05 pm

Yep - think you need to think big!

by mystiroakey Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:07 pm

Aye,

SO anyway- Are we going to get some news today from te unions as to what is happening.

Are we finally at an end

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:09 pm

paracat>selfie would be quite a good crypic slogan. How much is a billboard on the westway?

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:10 pm

mystiroakey wrote:Aye,

SO anyway- Are we going to get some news today from te unions as to what is happening.

Are we finally at an end

7pm.

Looks like the end....

by Standulstermen Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:11 pm

Rumour that HEC will go ahead but without the English clubs. How that is doable I don't know but that the rumour as to what the announcement is. I honestly haven't a clue. It will be an interesting hour or so

by Guest Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:15 pm

Some of the other sites are already resorting to abuse. They may well go into meltdown after 7pm Very Happy

Thankfully we are a much more civilized bunch on 606 Hug

by mystiroakey Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:17 pm

stub wrote:paracat>selfie would be quite a good crypic slogan. How much is a billboard on the westway?

I like your thinking.

by Standulstermen Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:18 pm

Its all rumours and unless camou is producing some big names then there will continue to be murder in France. Unless they have got a serious tv deal to announce with the French now going halfsies with the Rabo. That might be tempting. Honestly haven't a clue

by geoff999rugby Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:22 pm

Standulstermen wrote:Its all rumours and unless camou is producing some big names then there will continue to be murder in France. Unless they have got a serious tv deal to announce with the French now going halfsies with the Rabo. That might be tempting. Honestly haven't a clue

I suspect that is the size of it.

A big TV deal was always the ace up the FFR sleeve

by quinsforever Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:26 pm

ok so english clubs appear to be out. are the french ones in or has that detail not been worked out yet?

by Standulstermen Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:30 pm

I suspect camou will have guaranteed French teams. How or who gets in will need to be worked out

by quinsforever Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:34 pm

thats what i suspect too stand.

he's still got some wood to chop then as regards top14 clubs.

if all the celtic unions have signed up i guess they are happy with the financials of the competition. fair play and good luck to em.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:39 pm

Betting on the Welshies jumping back on board.

by wayne Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:42 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Betting on the Welshies jumping back on board.

They were never off

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:45 pm

Fock yeah they were. Yerman the O's Boss was shacked up with McCaff and his mates at that rugby expo yoke as recently as last week.

by mystiroakey Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:46 pm

wayne wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Betting on the Welshies jumping back on board.
They were never off

they have really tried to cause zero waves have they, fence sitters

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:46 pm

Standulstermen wrote:I suspect camou will have guaranteed French teams. How or who gets in will need to be worked out

Maybe all Pro 12 and all T14 will be in the HC...

Could that work?

by wayne Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:49 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Fock yeah they were. Yerman the O's Boss was shacked up with McCaff and his mates at that rugby expo yoke as recently as last week.

Calm down laddie, read the last RRW statement properly and use your few beans left and they say they will follow whatever the WRU negotiate on their behalf.

by mystiroakey Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:50 pm

stub wrote:
Standulstermen wrote:I suspect camou will have guaranteed French teams. How or who gets in will need to be worked out
Maybe all Pro 12 and all T14 will be in the HC...

Could that work?

10 each 50/50 financial split imo

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:55 pm

mystiroakey wrote:
stub wrote:
Standulstermen wrote:I suspect camou will have guaranteed French teams. How or who gets in will need to be worked out
Maybe all Pro 12 and all T14 will be in the HC...

Could that work?
10 each 50/50 financial split imo

That would make sense as there was a 33% x 3 offer on the table.

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 6:56 pm

Munchkin wrote:Some of the other sites are already resorting to abuse. They may well go into meltdown after 7pm

Thankfully we are a much more civilized bunch on 606

We certainly are Munchkin. Very Happy

by quinsforever Thu 21 Nov 2013, 7:00 pm

Munchkin wrote:Some of the other sites are already resorting to abuse. They may well go into meltdown after 7pm

Thankfully we are a much more civilized bunch on 606

presumably abusing the english clubs in a serves you right kind of way?

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 7:01 pm

So, it's 7pm...

by quinsforever Thu 21 Nov 2013, 7:04 pm

nothing on ERC website yet.

by **Notch** Thu 21 Nov 2013, 7:04 pm

IRFU: "A European club competition is to take place during 14/15 season... with 20 teams, no matter how many countries are involved."

via Twitter.

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 7:05 pm

Cahill said just after 7..

by stub Thu 21 Nov 2013, 7:05 pm

Notch wrote:IRFU: "A European club competition is to take place during 14/15 season... with 20 teams, no matter how many countries are involved."

via Twitter.

Oh....

by **Notch** Thu 21 Nov 2013, 7:06 pm

WRU, IRFU, SRU, FRU, FIR wrote: A meeting was held in Dublin today, attended by FFR, FIR, IRFU, SRU and WRU, to discuss the on-going issues surrounding European club competitions.

All five Unions believe that it is critical to the interests of the game in Europe that the Unions are at the heart of the governance of cross-border club competitions given that rugby in each country is organised in a pyramidical structure.

Clubs, provinces and regional organisations form an integral part of the development of the game throughout this structure, from grassroots to the international game. Cross-border club competitions must not conflict with the development of the sport in Europe by Unions, this being in the best interest of players, spectators and the sport in general.

The five Unions reconfirmed:
• Their agreement with the new competition formats and financial distribution formula previously agreed by the six Unions who attended the mediated meeting in Dublin on 23-24 October (http://www.ercrugby.com/news/25300.php ).

Following today's discussions, the five Unions have agreed the following:

• A European club competition is to take place during the 2014/2015 season following an optimised sporting and economic format with 20 teams, no matter how many countries are involved.

• The competition will be driven by the existing organisation (currently named ERC) which will remain in charge of the centralised sale and management of all commercial rights, amongst other things.

• Discussions over governance will be pursued in order to optimise the internal functioning of the existing organisation (currently named ERC).

• The common aim is to move eventually towards the integration of European competitions within an all-encompassing European rugby framework.

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