European chiefs plan Champs Cup overhaul

16/04/2024 07:54

European rugby chiefs are reportedly encouraging a change to the Champions Cup format to avoid a repeat of the fiasco surrounding the Vodacom Bulls in the quarter-finals.

The Vodacom Bulls stoked controversy by making no fewer than 13 changes between the teams that played in the round of 16 and quarter-final against Northampton Saints in England.

Jake White cited travel issues and medical advice as the reasons why he left a host of star players in Pretoria, with the Bulls going on to suffer a heavy defeat at Franklin’s Gardens.

According to the Daily Mail, EPCR officials will still investigate the Bulls, but have conceded that the best immediate course of action is to amend the Champions Cup schedule.

As it stands, the round of 16 and quarter-finals are played over successive weekends, with less than a week’s break between the two playoffs.

EPCR officials will therefore attempt to persuade member clubs and unions to agree to introduce a longer break between the round of 16 and quarter-finals.

Otherwise, EPCR chiefs are reportedly “satisfied” with the impact made by the South African teams, since their inclusion into EPCR competitions last season. South Africa is set to become a full EPCR stakeholder next year – subject to various criteria.

Photo: Paul Harding/Getty Images

The post European chiefs plan Champs Cup overhaul appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.