RFU could take legal action
The Rugby Football Union will sue Premier Rugby if the English clubs pull out of next season's Heineken Cup.
The 12 Guinness Premiership clubs have voted unanimously to withdraw from the competition if their French counterparts carry out a threat to boycott the tournament. But RFU management board chairman Martyn Thomas insists the clubs are contracted to participate and confirmed Twickenham would pursue legal action against them if they refuse.
Asked whether the RFU would have to sue Premier Rugby, Thomas told Radio Four's Today programme: "Regrettably that would be the case. Unfortunately again it is a situation of rugby having to resort to the courts."
He added: "We have a contract with our clubs which we signed in 2001 and in relation to Europe it is very simple.
"It says the clubs will compete in the European Cup or the European Shield. That lasts until 2009 so I am at a loss to understand their statement that they believe they can pull out."
Thomas remains hopeful an agreement can be reached but Premier Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty is less optimistic.
"I'm going to continue to find a way to pull the French clubs back in but the prospect of that, when the French clubs decide on Thursday, doesn't look great," he said.
