WELSH Rugby Union boss Roger Lewis believes the Millennium Stadium is ready to deliver the biggest and best Heineken Cup yet — but admits there is huge work to do to ensure it is not the last.
Yesterday's announcement that Cardiff was to play host to the 2014 final — its seventh in the history of the tournament — was shrouded by the uncertainty surrounding the future of the showpiece competition.
England and French clubs have already served notice that they intend to bail out at the end of the coming season when the current agreement between the participating countries ends.
The English, in particular, are unhappy at the present qualification process from the RaboDirect Pro12 with all but the Dragons competing in Europe's premier club competition this season.
They also have issues with the way money is being shared out.
Over the last 12 months high-profile meetings have taken place between the powerbrokers in England, France and the Celtic nations in an attempt to break the deadlock.
But as yet, no progress appears to have been made with stories emerging that English clubs have looked into the possibility of an alternative Anglo-French competition or one involving the South African provinces.
Derek McGrath, ERC chief executive, was remaining resolute at the Cardiff announcement yesterday and told the Evening Post he is confident that a common path can be found to safeguard the tournament's future.
"I understand there are strong positions and there is a lot of stake for both sides — a lot to lose and a lot to win," he said.
"We have really moved this competition on in the last five years and the stakes are now a lot higher.
"The reality is we want to find a negotiating agreement which will be in the interests of European club rugby as the headline, but one that has also got to work for each of the six countries, individually and collectively."
McGrath's words were echoed by WRU chief executive Lewis, who also remained positive European club rugby's "jewel in the crown" can be preserved.
"First of all, we have to make sure 2014 is the best Heineken Cup final there has ever been, but we also have to make sure this competition continues — quite simply it is too good to lose," he said.
"I was in Australia recently and all the SANZAR nations look to this competition with envy.
"Everyone must come to their senses. We have got to make sure everyone comes around the table to sort this out and make sure this competition continues beyond this year."
Asked what is proving the stumbling block, Lewis replied: "There is a range of issues and we have kept a lot of those behind closed doors, we must recognise the desires of all the parties and all of their interests must be respected.
"Certainly, financially it is very important.
"No-one is awash with dosh in rugby. That is why everyone must come to their senses to come to a solution.
"Everyone in the game in Europe needs this competition — firstly for rugby and secondly for finance.
"Will we achieve it? I think we might and I think we are close to it.
"It is going to be tough, but I think we can achieve it because we have to."
The 2014 Heineken Cup final will take place on Saturday, May 24 (5pm kick-off) with the second tier Amlin Challenge Cup final held the night before next door on the Arms Park's new artificial surface.
In the past, a Cardiff final has come with the clarion call for Welsh regions to finally end their drought in the competition.
But such is the gulf in financial clout between the big-money French clubs and the Welsh representatives, a home winner looks as distant as ever — not helped by a brutal pool draw for the Scarlets and Ospreys.
Wales prop Gethin Jenkins joined an elite band of Welshmen to claim a Heineken Cup winner's medal in Dublin in May when he was part of Toulon's stellar squad that shocked Clermont Auvergne at the Aviva Stadium.
Jenkins has since returned to Cardiff Blues and concedes the Welsh sides will be up against it again.
"The final being at your home stadium is a big carrot, but it is a huge challenge for all the Welsh regions," said Jenkins, now recovered from the calf injury that brought his Lions tour to a premature end.
"The French sides have such big budgets and it makes it hard to compete because they are signing the best of the best every year. But if we can grind out a few wins, you never know."
Meanwhile, the fixtures for the opening four rounds of this season's pool stages are expected to be announced next week.Click here to see the video
