On 10 April 2014, following nearly two years of negotiations, an agreement for a new European club competition structure was reached.

ERC was wound up and replaced by a new Swiss-based organising body known as European Professional Club Rugby.

Accordingly, since Heineken Cup winners Toulon were already qualified through the Top 14, the extra French berth went to Perpignan.

Also, since Amlin Cup winners Leinster were already qualified through the Pro12, the extra Irish berth went to Connacht.

[13] The brackets show each team's European Rugby Club Ranking at the end of the 2012–13 season.