Champions Cup Format To Remain Despite Ongoing Criticism

Despite growing criticism from clubs and coaches alike, the Investec Champions Cup is set to retain its much-talked-about, yet controversial format until at least 2030. 

Although the above is the case, there are murmurs that a slight change could be implemented where the tournament could start in October instead of December, as was the case this year – before the packed November Test window.

Some of the drawbacks of the current format, according to critics, are teams picking weakened sides for crucial away games, complex and tedious travel schedules, and a decreased sense of jeopardy.

An example of this would be both Leicester Tigers and the Vodacom Bulls making the last 16 knockout round despite only winning one game out of the four played in their respective groups. 

Conversely, some of the advantages of starting the tournament early are that clubs would have a better chance of having their best players fit and raring to go before the November internationals, which could create more early-season interest. 

In spite of the challenges, EPCR Chief Executive Jacques Raynaud points to a format that is producing compelling rugby, substantiated by an increasing audience and increased fan engagement.

“The format is delivering,” Reynaud said as quoted from the Guardian in the UK.

“We have a compelling tournament with a stable format that is delivering what we wanted.”

“We’ve got the best attendances in the Champions Cup since Covid, and we have also had a 50% increase in digital fan engagement,” he added. 

“The truth is it’s still delivering fantastic rugby on superb stages,” Renaud said glowingly. 

“The knockout stages are box office, the numbers are great.”

He emphasized the need to balance sporting excitement with a financial model that appeals to key stakeholders, ensuring maximum revenue for the respective clubs. 

“We have to play in a great, compelling tournament from a sporting fan side and also have a financial formula that is liked by TV, sponsors and host cities so we can maximise the money we’re generating for the club game.”

“This format and time date is currently fixed until 2030,” he confirmed. 

Raynaud did concede, though, that the competition might benefit from an earlier start.

“We will likely go back to an October start,” Raynaud said. “That’s not confirmed, but it’s a desire.”

“A lot of people liked it because it corresponded more to the narrative around the start of the club rugby season. Coaches like it because it builds into the Test matches.”

South African teams are requesting a better competition schedule to mitigate the logistical demands, and the EPCR is in discussions with the Vodacom URC to align the calendar in such a way that travel becomes less burdensome.