European Club Rugby Future Secured
TOUCHLINE The Official Newspaper of The RFU May 2014 Issue 168 EUROPEAN CLUB RUGBY FUTURE SECURED The new deal on European club rugby signed by all nine “The RFU, and in particular Ian Ritchie, has invested significant stakeholders underlined their commitment to an invigorated time over the last few months in helping to find a solution to a competition meeting all the parties’ requirements. It is a problem that at one stage looked difficult to solve. We are very truly meritocratic tournament, with appropriate division of pleased that the challenges off the pitch are concluded so we finances, underpinned by a long-term agreement and strong can enjoy the joys of the game on it, creating more unforgettable governance, starting in the 2014/2015 season. memories for players and fans alike.” It features three cross-border club competitions: RFU CEO Ian Ritchie said: “This is an excellent outcome for all the European Rugby Champions Cup, the European concerned, most importantly the players and supporters who have Rugby Challenge Cup and a new competition called the made European rugby what it is today. This equitable, long term Qualifying Competition. agreement will provide the platform for rugby union to continue to RFU Chairman Bill Beaumont CBE said: “The benefits will be expand across Europe, increasing interest and involvement in the seen far and wide, from the clubs to the supporters, sponsors game at all levels. and everyone who has followed the fabulous mix of high “I would like to credit all parties, including BT and Sky Sports, class rugby and good natured rivalry - all played out in many for their efforts in reaching an agreement for the benefit of the spectacular towns and cities in Europe.
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