ERCs stakeholders will meet shortly to finalise the agreement that will secure the long term future of both tournaments.

European Rugby Cup CEO Derek McGrath, confirming the news said, "I am delighted we have some good news. We've agreed that the English and French clubs will be participating." 

McGrath said that the finer details of the deal had yet to be finalised but insisted that there was "more than a verbal agreement" in place over the long-term future of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup.