English rugby union clubs have agreed to end their boycott of the European Cup and will play in next season's tournament, organisers said on Saturday.

English clubs pulled out of this season's tournament in disputes over the organisation of the tournament.

Twenty-four clubs will take part in next season's event, but for the following eight years the tournament will be cut down to 20 clubs, under the agreement reached in Paris by representatives of the six countries involved.

Next season's tournament will be contested by six French and six English clubs, five from Wales, three clubs or provincial sides from Ireland and two from Scotland plus two Italian clubs.