Paris (AFP)

Vincent Gaillard, director general of the EPCR, organizer of the European Rugby Cups, said in an interview with AFP that "the preferred position is to end the season, even behind closed doors", while the 2019-2020 fiscal year was interrupted before the quarterfinals.

Q: The European Cups stopped before the quarter-finals. How to end the season?

A: "The intention to reschedule the three finals weekends remains absolutely intact. We are working on scenarios that would consist in rescheduling them between mid-September and mid-October, with the two Champions Cup and Challenge on October 16 and 17 in Marseille. This calendar is coordinated with the three European professional leagues (France, England, Pro 14) but remains subject to external constraints, whether health, medical or logistical. "

Q: World Rugby intends to use these dates for late test matches or to complete the Six Nations Tournament ...

A: "We are in close discussions with World Rugby, even if we would like a lot more dialogue, that clubs and leagues are much more present at the table. This is not enough the case today. discussions to try to find a solution to these potential date conflicts. A letter was sent Monday by the French and English leagues to World Rugby, which often has an attitude which involves only the Federations and the national teams but not enough the clubs, which make up a large part of the rugby economy. "

Q: Are you worried that World Rugby will impose an international window?

A: "Everyone is aware that compromises will have to be made. It is very clear. Our subject is not to say 'we will play in October as if nothing had happened'. take into account all the interests at stake, not only that of the Federations, and find solutions together. If this reflection leads us to find an alternative which would be not to play in October but at another suitable time, that is. a coordinated discussion is taking place and it is precisely on this point that World Rugby must intervene. The month of October remains a window traditionally reserved for clubs and European Cups and we plan to exploit it. "

Q: Can we imagine final stages behind closed doors?

A: "As a last resort, yes. It is clearly not desirable but the preferred position is to end the season, including in camera, rather than not ending it. We will do everything to avoid it."

Q: Will the European Cups be changed next season?

A: "There are discussions for a reformatting in progress which are justified in the context of a next season which could be reduced in duration. We will therefore have to find a format which adapts, for example, over eight week- ends instead of nine. A number of options are on the table: eighteen clubs, twenty-four clubs ... to take into account the exceptional end of season circumstances of our three leagues. , we know the situation of the LNR but not that of the Premiership and the Pro 14. The position of the EPCR consists in listening to them and adapting as best as possible to their constraints. We understand the position of the French clubs, which have difficulty in qualifying six clubs in a consensual manner. It is very possible that the other two leagues reach this same conclusion. We will adapt and we have a format of twenty-four teams, which is very attractive, if necessary. , a solution should be found common June. "

Q: There have been rumors of a boycott of the French clubs if they do not get eight European tickets.

A: "We want to think long term while fixing short term problems. The boycott threats have obviously been brought to a head. This threat has not been made, as far as I know, by either the NRL or the clubs in a formal way. If this boycott threat were to be proven, but I don't believe it, it would be perfectly counterproductive. Once again, I understand the position of the French clubs. This is a real problem and we must find a solution . "

Interview by Nicholas Mc ANALLY

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