English clubs to boycott Heineken Cup

Premiership Rugby tonight confirmed that the English clubs will NOT take part in the 2014-2015 Heineken Cup following a meeting in London.
For the past 18 months and with the help of the French clubs, the Premiership pushed forward for a new competition to be created (Champions Cup) based on a meritocratic qualification system and equitable financial distribution.
The Welsh regions even announced they were fully supporting the Champions Cup back in October but last Friday, the French pulled out deciding to instead take part in the ERC-run Heineken Cup for at least another season.
Premiership Rugby confirmed the English clubs are now pursuing other options.
Read the full statement below
“The Chairmen and Shareholders of Premiership Rugby met today to consider amongst other matters the situation and options related to European club rugby issues.
“The English Clubs have unanimously re-confirmed their position. Having served notice in June 2012, they will not participate in any competitions run by ERC from 2014-15 season.
“ERC does not structurally recognise the role of the leagues and clubs in driving the success of club competitions, under the overall governance of Unions. The ERC voting structure is controlled by Unions even though the majority of commercial value is created by the independent clubs which represent 75 per cent of the participants.
“Proposals put forward to address a new structure within a Rugby Champions Cup were agreed by a majority of the Unions in October, alongside meritocratic competition formats and equitable financial distributions. However, these have not been accepted by all.
“The English Clubs have worked exhaustively over the last 18 months to propose solutions to the issues with the current European competitions and to provide a sustainable platform to grow the game in the various countries.
“The English clubs are now pursuing other options.”