Regions welcome European rugby agreement
The future of European rugby has been secured after all parties agreed to a new competition structure from the 2014/15 season.
New European Rugby - at a glance
THREE TIERS:
Rugby Champions Cup - replaces Heineken Cup. 20 teams: 6 English and French clubs, 7 from Pro 12 including best placed side from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy. Final place decided by England/France playoff.
Challenge Cup - 20 teams, including 18 from Pro 12, Premiership and Top 14 + 2 other countries.
Qualifying Competition - 12-18 teams from developing nations and Italy
NEW MANAGING BODY:
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR). Replaces ERC
EXTRA FUNDING:
An extra £1m a year for Welsh regions
Competition funding split equally between member leagues
SHARED BROADCASTING RIGHTS:
Sky and BT to show joint coverage of European competitions
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