Blanco is a fierce opponent of the RFU's stance

"I led the fight to preserve the future of French clubs, but I appreciate there has been the same conscious effort by the English clubs," he said.

"I find it regrettable a competition as great as this is being sacrificed and that the RFU is not making the effort."

French clubs will make a final decision on a boycott on Thursday.

Blanco, who was talking to the French newspaper L'Equipe, added: "We are going to spend a year without European competition. Then we will try to think up something else."

France's 14 top-flight clubs first announced their intention to exit the Cup in January over the collapse of an alleged deal which would have seen them secure a 50% stakeholding in the Heineken Cup's organising body.

They say the deal was scuppered by the RFU's refusal to hand over shares and voting rights in European Rugby Cup Ltd to England's leading clubs.

Blanco, president of France's Ligue Nationale de Rugby, is a fierce opponent of the RFU's stance and wants French clubs to withdraw.

Domestic fixture congestion in France caused by the World Cup is also seen by many as a major reason for the planned withdrawal.

Matches in France's domestic league, will be played throughout the duration of the World Cup, but the Heineken Cup will only begin when it finishes.