RFU strike back

France and England have provided nine of the 11 winners of the European Cup since the competition in 1995 and the withdrawal of these nations from the 2007/8 event is thought to seriously threaten the future of the Cup.

But Martyn Thomas, chairman of the RFU, has revealed that he is ready to open talks with representatives of National Division One to see if they would be willing to take part in next season's European competitions.

"We will request written confirmation of the PRL decision not to participate in European competitions next season before we talk to the First Division clubs," Thomas said.

There were hints that the European Cup could be saved for next season in it's current form as Thomas and Leicester chairman Peter Tom said they would continue negotiations to save the Cup.

But Thomas now appears to have slammed the door shut on any agreement saying Premier League will not be given the shares they are seeking in European Cup Rugby - the company behind the Heineken Cup.

"There is not a chance of us giving up any shares to PRL," Thomas said.

"The disgraceful and selfish actions of the French and English clubs have fully justified our stance. How could you allow people who behave like this to hold shares in the Heineken Cup?"

Thomas also went on to criticise the Ligue Nationale de Rugby which represents the French clubs for forcing the boycott.

"There is no justification for the decision of the LNR," he said.

"They are trying to pretend that they are doing this because of what's happening in England. All they are worried about is fixture congestion in a Rugby World Cup year. Involving us is a desperately feeble attempt to cover their tracks."