Dr Millar calls for boycott U-turn

International Rugby Board chairman Dr Syd Millar has urged Guinness Premiership clubs to back out of their European boycott and return to the negotiating table.

Dr Millar is furious at the Anglo-French clubs' decision not to compete in either the Heineken Cup or European Challenge Cup next season.

"It is not too late for the Premiership clubs to reverse their decision and have the courage to do so, and to show the rugby world at large they are prepared to work within a system where their voice is heard and has been listened to," he said.

"The IRB is attempting to facilitate a solution and in this instance we still have time to get around the table to find a workable solution."

The stand-off stems from the Rugby Football Union's refusal to hand 50% of their shareholding and voting rights in ERC to Premier Rugby, the Premiership clubs' umbrella body.

As a result, the French clubs voted to boycott both the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup last Thursday and the English immediately followed suit.

The effects of any boycott could be severe. The four Welsh regions are set to lose £500,000 each, while the Scottish Rugby Union warned their professional game could die without European competition next year.

Dr Millar added: "The decision by the French and English clubs to withdraw from the European Rugby Cup has been described as regrettable, unfortunate and shameful.

"It is more than that. It is absolutely disgraceful and selfish to destroy a tournament which has developed into a hugely successful and special annual rugby event that is vital to the well-being of European Rugby. It will have serious consequences for world rugby."