European Rugby Cup SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT:

ERC can confirm that a consultation process involving all its stakeholders will commence shortly following formal applications by the Federation Francaise de Rugby, the Ligue Nationale de Rugby and Premiership Rugby for a review of the ERC Shareholder Agreement which provides the structure for European club rugby’s two tournaments, the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup.

The current agreement, which was agreed by all stakeholders in 2007, includes a provision for parties to confirm their intention to seek a renegotiation, while the structure and format of both tournaments remain in place for a further two years until the end of the 2013/14 season.

ERC will now lead a process of consultation with all stakeholders over the coming months. The stakeholders are made up of the following union and club bodies which have representation on the ERC Board: the Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby, the French Federation, the Ligue Nationale de Rugby, the Irish Rugby Football Union, the Italian Federation, the Scottish Rugby Union, the Welsh Rugby Union and Regional Rugby Wales.

Notes

ERC Board of Directors
Independent Chairman: Jean-Pierre Lux

England: Rob Andrew (RFU), Peter Wheeler (Premiership Rugby)

France: Michel Palmié (FFR), René Bouscatel (LNR)

Ireland: Philip Browne (IRFU), Peter Boyle (IRFU)

Italy: Fabrizio Gaetaniello (FIR), Orazio Arancio (FIR)

Scotland: Ian McLauchlan (SRU), Mark Dodson (SRU)

Wales: Roger Lewis (WRU), Stuart Gallacher (RRW)

44 clubs from eight countries participate in the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup annually.

ERC revenues broke through the €50m barrier for the first time in 2010/11. Revenues have doubled since the 2005/06 season.

Over 1.5m European club rugby fans attended Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup matches in 2011/12.

2012/13 will be the 18thseason of the Heineken Cup.