European Rugby Cup: Heineken Cup replacement gets go-ahead

The European Rugby Champions Cup which replaces the Heineken Cup has been given the go-ahead for next season.

The new tournament will involve 20 teams, rather than 24, with six from the Aviva Premiership, six from the French Top 14 and seven from the Pro12.

The final place will be decided by a play-off.

A new European Rugby Challenge Cup will replace the second-tier Amlin Cup and a new third-tier cup will be introduced, called the Qualifying Competition.

Bill Beaumont, chairman of English governing body the Rugby Football Union, said: "We are very pleased that the challenges off the pitch are concluded so we can enjoy the joys of the game on it, creating more unforgettable memories for players and fans alike."

His views were echoed by officials throughout the European game, with Welsh Rugby Union chief executive, Roger Lewis saying he is "delighted that we can all move forward with a clear and agreed structure in place for European competition from next season".

The heads of agreement - the principles behind the deal - were signed by the nine parties involved on Thursday, bringing an end to a two-year saga.

The signatories are the unions from the Six Nations countries, plus the club bodies for England, France and Wales.

Mark McCafferty, the chief executive of Premiership Rugby, described it as a "historic day for European club rugby", adding that the parties involved "had worked hard to get to this point and the uncertainty is now over".

International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset said the new competition meant both players and fans could "look forward to a strong competition structure that promotes and celebrates the best of the European game".

And Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the RFU, added: "This equitable, long-term agreement will provide the platform for rugby union to continue to expand across Europe, increasing interest and involvement in the game at all levels."

The tournaments will be headed by European Professional Club Rugby, a new Swiss-based association, which will replace current organisers European Rugby Cup (ERC).

English Premiership clubs withdrew from ERC in June 2012, and have long advocated changes to the present tournament, the Heineken Cup.

Pro12 representation is cut from its current 10 teams, with one guaranteed representative from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales and the other three places being decided on league position.

ERC chief executive Derek McGrath confirmed he will stand down from his role in October 2014 following the decision.

The issue of who will broadcast the new competitions has been a source of contention but BT Sport and Sky have reached an agreement to share coverage.