Premiership Rugby asked to create new European competition

English and French rugby union clubs have asked Premiership Rugby to set up a new competition to replace the Heineken Cup for next season.

Talks to continue the tournament in its current format have broken down, leaving a number of teams on both sides of the English Channel eager to start afresh.

The Heineken Cup, whose competing sides are from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and France, began in 1995-96.

"The English and French clubs have proposed the formation of two new, stronger competitions of 20 teams each, based on the principles of qualification on merit from each league, the inclusion of teams from all six existing countries and the expansion into new markets," read an official Premiership Rugby statement.

"These proposals could form the basis of future competitions. However, given the importance and urgency of the current position, and the reconfirmation that the French clubs will not participate in any competition unless it includes the English clubs, the clubs have now asked Premiership Rugby to take immediate action to put in place a competition for 2014-15 to include the French and English clubs but which will also be open to teams from other countries."

French side Toulon are the current Heineken Cup champions.