It's basically about money though isn't it, with BT offering a huge TV deal. In Ireland the provinces are subsidised by the IRFU and as a result they dictate how often contracted players play. As a result they are used sparingly in the league but not the HC. The English and French clubs don't have that luxury. The qualification issue for the HC is valid, but so too is the idea of expanding the game in Europe, and to exclude the Italians would not help their development. It must have been a first but both Zebre and Treviso won last week-end. Whatever happens, an Anglo French cup would not be as appealing as the current HC, and would certainly lead to the the departure of the better players to France & England (those who haven't already gone).