Radical new proposals to boost rugby’s finances with the introduction of an annual Club World Cup could spell the end of the Heineken Champions Cup, the most prestigious competition in the European club game.

Bernard Laporte, the president of the French Rugby Federation, who is aiming to become vice-chairman of World Rugby next month, has outlined plans for a 20-team club competition to be held every year over seven weekends in a format similar to the World Cup. Space would be made in the calendar by removing the European club competitions, which Laporte feels does not generate enough money.

“The European competition is magnificent, with Toulon [as head coach] I was able to lift the trophy three times and I know what it can represent,”