At a meeting earlier today in Paris, the LNR voted 14-3 to withdraw, their President Serge Blanco initially insisting that  "The problem is the RFU refuses to let go of their percentage to the clubs."

However later on he said, "French clubs have invested a lot in this competition, but we cannot continue to be walked all over. Either respect us, or don't respect us. The only way to respect us is to give us our shareholding."