Unfortunately its not over yet. The LNR statement is out and someone has posted it on munsterfans thread on this. It also has been translated if anyone wants to post it here.
It refers to next season only.

ConnachtCows wrote:

salmson wrote: On the Times website:

www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/french-cl...ext-season-1.1610574

So how do we feel about the Little Englanders returning? Happy as the competition is better, or sad because it likely denies us a 4th (unearned, ssh...) HEC season.

I'd like the English to be forced to miss out for a season, and then let them back in. It's a better competition with them in it, but I dont want them thinking they can try this over and over again, with no repercussions

It is ridiculous to punish the PRL. The competition is worth a lot more with them in it and it is devalued to fans and broadcasters without them. If they don't want to come back, that's fine and best of luck to them but if they do then it should be hailed as a good thing.

IMO it will be a poor competition if the split is 12,6 and 2. IMO if it is to stand any chance of capturing the publics imagination then it simply has to be 8 French and 8 pro12 in a 16 team format.
That also allows the amlin continue in either a 12 or 16( less favourable) team format. I know that a 20 team format was announced but that was before the LNR and presumably RRW came on board. I would imagine they will want a say in format.Apparently the 16 team format was used in 1999.

Sol_ie wrote: The statement last week said that if the English didn't join in it'd be 12 rabo teams, 6 french and 2 others in the HC, with no Amlin.

One would assume if the English stayed out, the logical thing would be to leave it at 24 teams.
The 20/20 split was based on them being in it. Doesn't seem to make much sense to reduce it just for the sake of it.

If the English do return then governance must sorted first. Otherwise this can is just kicked down the road.

ConnachtCows wrote: ...I dont want them thinking they can try this over and over again, with no repercussions

A few years ago, I was chasing sheep out of my garden. All they had to do was hop through the gap between the top and bottom wooden rails. One sheep, though, just ran at the fence and walloped the lower rail. He then backed up, and decided the best way to address his problem was to run at the rail harder. Poor beast knocked itself out.

The English missed a season in 1999 and they may miss one or more now. I suppose what I'm saying is that doesn't necessarily mean they'll learn anything.

salmson wrote: On the Times website:

www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/french-cl...ext-season-1.1610574

So how do we feel about the Little Englanders returning? Happy as the competition is better, or sad because it likely denies us a 4th (unearned, ssh...) HEC season.

I'd like the English to be forced to miss out for a season, and then let them back in. It's a better competition with them in it, but I dont want them thinking they can try this over and over again, with no repercussions

On the Times website:

www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/french-cl...ext-season-1.1610574

So how do we feel about the Little Englanders returning (should they do so)? Happy as the competition is better, or sad because it likely denies us a 4th (unearned, ssh...) HEC season?

ConnachtCows wrote:

rossie wrote: LNR have voted to remain in ERC

This looks to be reported now.

What really, are the English options?
And, if England dont take part next season, will there be any Amlin Cup? Surely they will have to take all 12 from the Rabo, and 8 from France

The statement last week said that if the English didn't join in it'd be 12 rabo teams, 6 french and 2 others in the HC, with no Amlin.

@arnauddavidso. I'm pretty sure that is his account. David Arnaud tweeted it an hour ago. LNR were meeting this morning and only Toulouse, clermont, Montpellier and racing were thought to be for rebelling.
Bayonne president was quoted as saying what was point in fighting battle for English that had already been won as far as French were concerned and questioned whether English would go to war with rfu for French clubs. Meritocracy and equal share of revenue was all French demanded really.

rossie wrote: LNR have voted to remain in ERC

This looks to be reported now.

What really, are the English options?
And, if England dont take part next season, will there be any Amlin Cup? Surely they will have to take all 12 from the Rabo, and 8 from France

Linky?

LNR have voted to remain in ERC

fifthcolumn wrote: The Provisional ERC is being bandied about...

I thought that was what the current crowd were calling themselves. The Real ERC or Continuity ERC might be more applicable.

The Provisional ERC is being bandied about...

The ERCC perhaps?

On governance- all 6 unions have 2 votes ATM AFAIK. Take 1 vote off FIR and SRU respectively as they only have 2 pro teams each. Give those votes to RFU and FFR as they have 12 and 14 pro teams. Its up to RFU and FFR what they do with Their 3 votes each but say as part of their respective participation agreements the FFR and RFU hand over control of 2 votes each to the LNR and PRl and WRU hand over 1 to RRW the private clubs then have 5 out of 12 votes with their respective unions holding the balance of power and the future balance between club and international game in their hands.

Reasonable and acceptable all round IMO.