The International Rugby Board have indicated that they want to see a Europe-wide club competition continue.

The future of the Heineken Cup is currently under threat, with the top clubs in France and England threatening to form a break-away competition in a row over the tournament's structure and TV revenue.

However, the IRB have indicated that they want to see "a bona fide European competition" and chief executive Brett Gosper has urged all sides to resume negotiations as soon as possible.

Last week Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley told Off The Ball that the IRB were unlikely to countenance a breakaway competition led by English and French clubs.