The organisers of the newly-formed European Rugby Champions Cup – formerly the Heineken Cup – have promised to deliver more money for England's Aviva Premiership clubs and a more attractive competition for fans. The popular tournament came perilously close to folding last season following a bitter dispute over the distribution of revenue as English clubs refused to continue under terms they saw as being grossly unfair. Wasps, Saracens, Northampton, Bath, Leicester, Harlequins and Sale will take part in new tournament The tournament was saved following a carefully negotiated settlement between broadcasters BT Sport and Sky. Bruce Craig - one of the executive directors of the newly slimmed down competition which begins a week on Friday – insists the new deal will see more revenue for England’s top clubs.
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Teams from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales taking part
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European tournament was saved by broadcasters BT Sport and Sky
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Winners of ERCC and Super Rugby could meet in end-of-season clash
There is a new business model with five prospective sponsorship slots and Craig believes it is a matter of time before more big-name companies join @placeholder in backing the tournament.