Goze plays down Euro conflict

Paul Goze, the president of France's domestic rugby union leagues says he has no concerns about the future of European competitions, despite talks on a new format having stalled.

French and English teams are pushing for a system that includes between 20 to 24 clubs with a qualifying system that relates to the respective league standings (top six qualify).

However, teams from the Ireland, Scotland and Wales could be hit most if the new deal goes ahead, while the French also want to adjust the European calendar and finish the campaign by the end of April in order for their teams to be able to concentrate on the final phase of their premier domestic competition the Top 14.

"In the negotiations for the European Cups, there are always difficult moments and barriers," the National Rugby League boss said on Wednesday.

"However everybody in European rugby, the Scottish, Irish, Welsh, English, Italians and us [French] need the European Cups. We cannot foresee that these barriers will continue.

"The negotiations will be difficult as always but I am not worried about the long-term outcome. All parties will be able to agree before the deadline to ensure that after 2014 the competition will continue to be one of rugby's forces.

"We have taken ideas forward and the positions are on the table. In all negotiations there can be small alterations that can unblock the situation."

The next round of meetings is set for February 6.

AFP