The future of the Heineken Cup is back in the melting pot after the English Premiership clubs confirmed that they will not take part in any ERC-run European tournaments from next season.

Fans of the tournament had hoped that the 12 clubs would perform a u-turn on their threat to withdraw after their plans to form a breakaway competition fell apart.

A meeting of the French Top-14 clubs last week suggested that their involvement would also hinge on the continued involvement of their English counter-parts and the LNR in France will now have to hold a further round of talks to decide if they wish to remain involved in the Heineken Cup.

The English clubs say they are now 'pursuing other options', having previously been linked with a tournament involving South African sides.