European Rugby Cup chiefs have announced that top English and French clubs will take part in next season's Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup competitions.

ERC released a statement just 45 minutes before kick-off in today's Heineken Cup final between Leicester and Wasps at Twickenham.

Next season's tournaments had been plunged into chaos after English and French clubs announced a boycott almost two months ago.

But detailed talks, notably involving Premier Rugby and the Rugby Football Union, now appear to have resulted in both competitions being rescued.

At one stage it looked as though England would be represented in Europe next term by clubs from outside the Guinness Premiership, but that prospect now appears to have been averted, although neither Premier Rugby nor the RFU have so far responded to ERC's declaration.