Hopes rose again yesterday of a resolution to the impasse over next year’s European Rugby landscape, though no detail on what had been discussed was revealed.
A short statement issued after a meeting between the Six Nations committee and representatives of English, French and Welsh clubs said “A positive meeting took place in Paris today between the Six Nations Unions and club representatives from LNR (Ligue Nationale de Rugby), PRL (Premier Rugby Limited) and RRW (Regional Rugby Wales). The meeting was constructive and progress was made, with all parties working towards a European competition.”
It was a day when Jonny Wilkinson came out to stress the importance of senior European competition to England’s hopes of a strong performance hosting the Rugby World Cup next year and also when Munster Rugby announced a new long term deal with Coca Cola and Deep Riverrock as the official soft drink and hydration partner of the province.
Munster also revealed that ticket revenues were down €600,000 on last year but it was hoped that a Heineken Cup quarter final would put that back on course. The Province lost €1 million last season highlighting the challenges facing the provinces in a time of uncertainty.
The TV deals with Sky Sports and BT Sport remain the main barrier to meaningful progress on getting English clubs and those who would side with the and the Irish, Scottish and Italian clubs more committed to the Heineken Cup closer together.
There has been no white smoke on a resolution to this particular problem, nor indeed an indication that talks have begun on finding a solution.
