The International Rugby Board chief executive Brett Gosper says he wants the European Cup to remain a tournament for the continent's leading clubs amid fears of an Anglo-French breakaway.
The tournament, as well as the second-string European Challenge Cup, faces an uncertain future now English and French clubs say they'll quit the competitions at the end of the season amid a row over revenue distribution, qualification procedures and broadcast rights.
Gosper says the IRB supports a full European competition and is urging all the constituents of that conversation to find a resolution.
England World Cup-winning five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson backed the continuation of the European Cup, having lifted the trophy after kicking 11 points for Toulon in their 16-15 win over Clermont in May.
