Life-line for European Cup

On Thursday, top-tier clubs in England and France announced they would be boycotting next season's European Cup owing to a dispute over shareholding in the competition.

But speaking to the BBC, RFU management board chairman Martyn Thomas and Leciester chairman Peter Tom said they believed the European Cup could go ahead next season.

"We remain available 24/7 to meet Premier Rugby and seek a solution. The Cup can be saved," said Thomas.

Tom was also hopeful a compromise between the two bodies could be reached.

"There would have to be meetings in a very short period of time in which all of the current issues can be agreed," added Tom.

"I don't think we can continue in the way we have before with lots of different sets of talks. We need to be prepared to lock ourselves in a room for 24 hours to sort it out."

Premier Rugby have decided to boycott the European Cup because they want the RFU to divide their shareholding in the tournament.

They claim the RFU promised in October to give them equal shares and voting rights but have since gone back on their word.

The RFU denies this and says the clubs are in clear breach of their legal obligations under the Long Form Agreement.

In France and Italy, the rugby federations have already given their clubs a stake in the tournament.

The French National League (LNR) announced on Thursday that they would be boycotting next season's European Cup because of the RFU's stance and their English equvalent, Premier Rugby, backed their decision.