British Cup in the balance
Twickenham
July 14, 2000

The planned British Cup was in the balance today with an eleventh hour reprieve being sought in negotiations with the organisers.

Despite reports that the 27-team cup had been scrapped an RFU spokesman told Scrum that no decision had in fact been made and that a statement was due out later this afternoon.

The cup, involving clubs from the four Home Unions, was part of the Rob Andrew plans for the new season, with a final in January.

If it does not take place the start of the English season will be delayed until August 26 - a week later than planned.

It has been reported that Heineken, the sponsors of the European Cup, had in their contract a clause allowing them to renegotiate their four-year deal if another cross-border tournament was organised.

The Express said that the RFU's attempts to persuade Heineken to waive their rights had soured relationships and led to the scuppering the British Cup.

But today a spokesman for the brewers denied it had any involvement in today's negotiations.

"We are just not involved in this particular debate. This has been going on for about three weeks now and our position remains unaltered.

"We are not involved with it, we have no veto and we have no row," he said.

As soon as Scrum hears the outcome of today's discussions a report will appear.

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