European rugby steps into uncharted waters

With the Heineken Cup as we know it formally coming to an end European rugby is once again trying to achieve stability by breaking new ground.

Leinster players celebrate after winning the Heineken Cup in 2012. Picture: Getty

By Emmet Ryan

With the Heineken Cup as we know it formally coming to an end in a week’s time, European rugby is once again trying to achieve stability by breaking new ground.

Financially, European rugby has never been in better health. The first year alone of the new deal should see TV rights go up by 50 per cent. Despite the conflict between the unions and leagues involved leading up to the ...