Troubles up north

The governing body of England's top rugby union clubs has given notice of its intention to pull out of the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup.

The move comes amid disagreements over how the competitions are organised.

Recent Heineken Cup winners

• 2012: Leinster (Ireland)
• 2011: Leinster (Ireland)
• 2010: Toulouse (France)
• 2009: Leinster (Ireland)
• 2008: Munster (Ireland)
• 2007: Wasps (England)
• 2006 : Munster (Ireland)

French clubs have also threatened to withdraw, but as two years' notice has to be given the move is perceived as an attempt to force others to negotiate.

"We hope that there will now be an urgent dialogue," said Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty.

In May, Leinster beat Ulster 42-14 in the Heineken Cup final to retain the trophy.

Premiership Rugby's intention to exit the competition will affect such top English sides as Northampton, Saracens, Gloucester, Bath, Harlequins, Leicester and London Irish, all of whom competed in the 2011-12 tournament.

McCafferty added that he hopes discussions can commence soon regarding "the future of European cup rugby, including qualification, competition formats and ambition to expand into new markets".

The governing body's notice period extends to the end of the 2013-14 event, at which point they say they will exit the competitions.

I can see why the POMS wants out - look at the winners since 2006 and you can see why.   They are NOT sportsmen and cannot stand anything which they are losing at.   Bad buggers - that lot.   Up the irish and Viva La France. 

 Enter The LIONS???

Logistically, it is not that easy for only one team to jump into an open spot, because of the way that the competitions are structures. If England does pull out, it would be a complete different ballgame though. If the French also pulls out in the two years' time it would become a nothing competition, with only Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Italian teams remaining.

This has to just be all posturing for something to come the Englishs' way. Without the English teams in there it will be already a "B" league event. Take the French out as well and it's basically the RaboDirect league version 2.0.