Boycott a disgrace - IRB chief
Dr Syd Millar, chairman of the International Rugby Board, has slammed the Anglo-French clubs' boycott of the Heineken Cup as "absolutely disgraceful".
In a powerfully-worded statement supporting the English and French unions, Dr Millar insisted the Guinness Premiership and top 14 clubs would not be allowed to "dictate the course of world rugby".
Dr Millar said: "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."
Dr Millar attacked French clubs chief Serge Blanco for his role in the stand-off and accused him of lacking respect for everyone who has worked had to build the Heineken Cup.
He added: "This decision is not about fixing match-schedule congestion in France as was first suggested. Indeed it is difficult for the average rugby supporter to understand why Serge Blanco has withdrawn the French clubs. The IRB made the concession of allowing the French rugby premiership (LNR) to play matches during Rugby World Cup to alleviate match congestion in the 2007/08 season.
"He talks now for support for the English premiership clubs, he talks of respect. What respect has he shown for those who have worked hard to develop this tournament into the excellent event that it has become?
"What respect is he showing for other European rugby nations who will suffer financial hardship with a direct consequence to player employment?"
What respect is there for the players who enjoy and want to play in the tournament? What respect is there for the supporters who have enjoyed the event and travelled in their tens of thousand throughout Europe in support of their teams therefore producing a great festival of rugby?
"What respect is he showing for the sponsors and media who have made their contribution to the tournament? None.
"What respect has he shown for the French Rugby Federation and French rugby in a year that is hugely important for the game in France as it hosts the Rugby World Cup in September and October?"
