European Professional Club Rugby hope to have appointed a chairman by next weekend

European rugby's new governing body should have a figurehead chairman in place by the time the inaugural Champions Cup kicks off next weekend.

The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) held five interviews for the vacant independent chairman role, in a bid to end their four-month search.

Board director Paul McNaughton revealed 15 names were considered but EPCR is now close to ratifying its preferred candidate, to be based at the new Neuchatel headquarters in Switzerland.

Live European Rugby Champions Cup

The European Rugby Champions Cup will replace the Heineken Cup next weekend following two years of political wrangling that has yielded at least a 60 per cent hike in broadcasting revenues and meritocratic qualification.

"We've gone through a process, a serious interview process," said McNaughton. "And we are hoping to have an appointment by the start of the tournament.

"We're looking for someone that has substantial business experience, a substantial business track record and also substantial interest and knowledge of rugby.

"We had at least 15 people considered and I think we had a shortlist of about five. It was done by a sports recruitment consultancy firm.

"We are happy with the process, we just have to finalise it, we're happy with the process.

"Ultimately it's a board decision but the nominations committee need to come back to the board with their final unanimous choice.

"And I'm hoping that may be in place by the start of the competition that's two weeks away."

Sponsors

Heineken were confirmed as EPCR's "founding partner" sponsor at Monday's tournament launch in Dublin, before McNaughton revealed it could take another year to nail down the four extra required sponsors.

We're looking for someone that has substantial business experience, a substantial business track record and also substantial interest and knowledge of rugby.

Bath owner Bruce Craig, McNaughton, director general Jacques Pineau and Rene Fontes comprise the executive committee.

Former Ireland team manager McNaughton believes the non-executive independent chairman role is likely to require two days' work a week in the first season of new-look European action.

"We're looking for a guy who's had experience of business and boards at the top level, whereas someone who also has an interest and track record in rugby as well," said McNaughton.

"Under the heads of the agreement he wasn't to be a part of existing union structures or indeed existing club or league structures.

"He will sit on the executive committee but he will be chair of the board, a non-executive chairman.

"We're expecting the role to take up a couple of days a week, certainly in the first year, because we want that guy to get out to all the clubs, and be very visible at games on weekends."

Sky Sports' live coverage of the Rugby Champions Cup begins on October 18 with the Pool 1 meeting of Sale Sharks and Munster