Door open for Euro rebels - WRU chief - Sport in brief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Tournament organisers have vowed to press ahead with plans for a "European club rugby tournament" in 2007-08 - despite the damaging Anglo-French boycott.

"Ideally, we would like the Guinness Premiership and French Championship clubs to remain in the fold, and the door remains open for that possibility," said Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Lewis. "However, there is now a clear mandate for a European competition to take place next season and we will work as hard as possible to ensure it is a success."

He added: "This is a significant step forward from the gloomy picture that we faced last week with the announcement that the French and English clubs will boycott next season's Heineken Cup.

"It was vitally important for the players, coaches and fans to know that there will be a European competition next season. That is the starting point for us all, as is the fact that each of the six participating unions have agreed to enter teams.

"What will follow is the fine detail, but the Welsh regions can look forward to playing European rugby next season.

"We have been here before in Europe. There were only teams from four nations in the first year, and we had to live without the English clubs in the 1998-1999 season - but the show went on and the Heineken Cup has grown in stature year on year as a result."