The future of the Heineken Cup is in serious doubt following developments involving the English and French clubs this week and the RTE panel engaged in an interesting debate on the matter last night.
As rugby fans will well know, the future of one of the biggest club rugby competitions in the world is in serious doubt due to a threat by the English and French clubs to breakaway and form their own competition, although representatives from Ireland and other participating countries could also be involved.
Before Leinster’s clash with the Ospreys at the RDS last night, Conor O’Shea, Shane Horgan and Donal Lenihan debated the future of the competition with presenter Daire O’Brien and it was interesting to hear their views, particularly O’Shea given that he is in a position to understand the position of the English clubs due to his involvement with Harlequins.
What will become of a competition that has existed since 1995 and has been won by Irish teams on six occasions remains to be seen but judging by the topics raised in the debate above, there is an awful long way to go before a decisive outcome will be reached.
Video via RTE Sport
