There appears to have been a breakthrough in the battle to secure the future of the Heineken Cup.

Following talks today in Dublin, the French, Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Italian unions have reached an agreement to continue their support for the tournament.

The commitment of the French Rugby Federation would appear to scupper plans for a breakaway Anglo-French tournament and leaves the English Premiership clubs in an isolated position.

All five Unions at today's meeting have agreed to a new 20-team format, regardless of how many countries are involved.

In response, the English Premiership teams have said tonight that they plan to press ahead with their plans for a breakaway competition with the "declared participants".

The so-called Rugby Champions Cup, was expected to feature the top clubs from France and England, while the top Welsh provinces had also indicated they were interested in competing.

©INPHO/Billy Stickland