Millar had been critical of the clubs' stance

The competition is under threat after French and English clubs announced a boycott of next year's competition.

But Millar said: "We are very pleased with the progress that has been made in recent weeks.

"Genuine dialogue between the Rugby Football Union and Premier Rugby is under way, and I believe the future of the Heineken Cup will be secured."

The dispute between the RFU and Premier Rugby, the body representing Premiership clubs, concerns ownership of what is Europe's premier club competition.

The clubs want a 50% shareholding in the Heineken Cup and claim the RFU has gone back on a deal struck last October.

But the RFU denies an agreement over the release of international players involved commercial rights in Europe and pulled out.

That led to England's top-flight clubs joining their French counterparts in opting out of next season's European competitions. The RFU, in turn, has written to the clubs to warn them of the legal implications of a boycott.

We have had assurances from both parties that the PRA will be fully consulted before any agreements are signed Players' union boss Damian Hopley

But Millar added: "I remain positive that an agreement on the key issues for the game in England can be put in place shortly which will provide long-term security for the European competitions."

The bitter row also extends to who decides when England internationals play as the various organisations try and address the issue of player burnout.

Millar's positive assessment had been echoed earlier in the week by the Professional Rugby Players' Association, which said it was "confident" the row over European competition and player control would be resolved by next season.

The players' union is frustrated at the drawn-out dispute and although it has ruled out strike action for now, a spokesman warned that players may be balloted in the future.

The PRA has also released a 10-point set of "key principles" it wanted to see incorporated into the discussions taking place between the RFU and Premier Rugby.

The key points include: