FIRA-AER President Octavian Morariu makes statement on confirmation of European rugby reforms

FIRA-AER Chairman Octavian Morariu has released a statement on the now official new reforms to European rugby which includes more involvement for Tier 2 nations.

Following the announcement of the European reforms, FIRA-AER president Octavian Morariu has stated his view.

"Over recent months, FIRA-AER has kept an eye on the future for European Clubs Cups. We are grateful to the IRB and FFR (French Rugby Federation) for keeping us informed from time to time on the situation. At present, FIRA-AER has had no contact with the organizers of the new competitions, neither has FIRA-AER been involved in the negotiations."

"We believe that any competition claiming to be European and which wishes to engage with FIRA-AER's 48 member unions cannot be organised without the Regional Association or it's active input, as is now the case with other Olympic sports in Europe."

"As of today, nothing concrete has been discussed and FIRA-AER awaits the next round of discussions with great interest and readiness."

There are a few things to take from this. Firstly a couple things we already knew. The rest of Europe outside the 6 Nations has had no influence whatsoever in the negotiations, not even in regards to their relatively minor role in the tournament.

FFR were seemingly the only ones in contact with FIRA, which is no surprise as the French have always been far closer linked to the rest of the continent than the British Isles. And that is why of course it was the French wanted FIRA involved at one point, and why the rest blocked it. FIRA are almost certain voters for the FFR/LNR position.

Obviously FIRA themselves would say they had to be involved for the ENC sides to be involved. Of course they would say that as they wouldn't have a job otherwise.

What's surprising though, is that there appears to be next to no negotiations and organising around "The Qualifying Competition".

Whilst the Rugby Champions Cup and Rugby Challenge Cup most details were pretty much known months ago, the Qualifying Competition had just 25 words to it. It's become clear this is simply because they haven't discussed or planned it past the idea stage.

It's a bit strange that FIRA were not involved in working and communicating with the parties involved with the negotiations for the Qualifying Competition though, as according to the statement released by the new EPRC they are named as supposed to be part of organising it.

So "nothing concrete has been discussed" hence the lack of detail on the new tournament. Whilst the main tournaments are both finalised, there will be a very squashed schedule to start organising and getting the logistics together for this tournament to work.