French champions Biarritz have threatened to sue Bourgoin president Pierre Martinet for defamation after he claimed his side had been cheated out of making the last eight of the European Cup.
Martinet made his outburst after Biarritz thrashed Cardiff 75-25 and, more importantly, ran in 13 tries to sneak past Bourgoin, who beat Sale 43-15, and take the second of the two best runners-up spots.
However, Biarritz issued a statement on Saturday flatly denying any such skulduggery had taken place and said they were contemplating legal action.
"Biarritz would like to know what cheating and mafioso attitude they are being accused of and what proof exists," the statement read.
"It is astonishing that other massive victories like France beating Wales 51-0 or Australia's 96-0 thrashing of England and Northampton's 31-0 defeat of Cardiff did not draw similar reaction.
"It is equally astonishing that no mention was made of the fact Sale rested two of its internationals for the clash with Bourgoin.
"Thus we have reserved the right to sue for defamation against all those who by saying what they did tarnished the image of the club, its sponsors and rugby in general."
Meanwhile, France won three International Rugby Board (IRB) awards for 2002 by taking the team, player and coach of the year awards at a ceremony in London last night.
The Six Nations champions won the award for Team of the Year, scrumhalf and captain Fabien Galthie was the Player of the Year, while coach Bernard Laporte was named Coach of the Year.
South Africa centre Pat Barnard received the under-21 Player of the Year Award, while New Zealand outhalf Luke McAlister won the under-19 award.
Commentator Bill McLaren was also recognised for his outstanding services to rugby with a Chairman's Award, and the Spirit of Rugby Award went to the old Christian Club Montevideo, 30 years after their plane crashed in the Andes.
Last year, to mark the occasion, the survivors played the match that should have been played before the crash.
Roberto Cannessa, who walked for 11 days in search of help, and another survivor, Gustavo Zerbino, received the award.
World sevens circuit and Commonwealth Games champions New Zealand were named Sevens Team of the Year, while New Zealand scrumhalf Monique Hirovanaa was Women's Player of the Year.
Winners list.
Referee Award for Distinguished Service: Colin Hawke
Development Award: John Broadfoot
Distinguished Services Award: Allan Hosie
Chairman's Awards: Bill McLaren, George Pippos (posthumously)
Spirit of Rugby Award: Old Christians Rugby Club
Women's Player of the Year: Monique Hirovanaa (New Zealand)
Under-19 Player of the Year: Luke McAlister (New Zealand)
Under-21 Player of the Year: Pat Barnard (South Africa)
International Sevens Team of the Year: New Zealand International
Coach of the Year: Bernard Laporte (France) International
Team of the Year: France
Player of the Year: Fabien Galthie (France)
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