EPCR boss expresses dissatisfaction with current Champions Cup format

The French Chap's Take on the Champions Cup

The French chap ain't callin' for a revolution, but he’s all about fine-tuning the formula. This fella's talkin' 'bout the Champions Cup, where South African teams—that joined the party last season—are gung-ho about comin' out on top.

"It ain't about turnin' the world upside down, but makin' some adjustments to a recipe that's bringin' us a whole lotta satisfaction," he said in an interview.

The deal is, there's 24 teams drawn from France's Top 14, the English Premiership, and the United Rugby Championship (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, South Africa) divided into four groups that battle it out in a modified round-robin format. Teams don't play others from their own league, which keeps things interesting.

"We've been dancin' the third season of this format," said Raynaud. "People forget there could be days five and six with matches that don't mean a thing."

Now, Raynaud's sayin' that EPCR's cookin' up changes in the knock-out phases, havin' "advanced discussions" about adopting France's Top 14 playoff format. The current system, he claims, poses issues with ticketing, logistics, and whatnot.

Plus, they're chatin' about shrinkin' the number of teams participatin'. "That's one way we're workin' to make the Champions Cup feel more exclusive," he said. The idea of goin' back to 16 or 18 teams as before has popped up, but don't hold your breath—it ain't a done deal just yet.

The "Premiumisation" of the Champions Cup, as he puts it, is a project in the works, with various forms it could take. But, don't expect these changes Anytime Soon.

In 2022-23, South African clubs hopped on the EPCR bandwagon. The Durban-based Sharks triumphed in the second-tier Challenge Cup in 2024, but there's been grumbling about the logistical and environmental implications of jetting teams between Europe and South Africa. Occasionally, this has led to under-strength teams takin' the field, devaluin' both competitions.

"The South Africans had two teams in the quarter-finals last year, and they won a title," said Raynaud. "Everyone's disappointed this year. They're startin' to think about it and analyzin' it."

So, don't mistake 'em for no one-trick ponies—South African teams want that Champions Cup just as bad as they want the World Cup.

Raynaud suggests the Champions Cup could adopt changes in the knock-out phases, drawn from the French Top 14 playoff format, aiming to address ticketing, logistics, and other issues.
In discussions, EPCR is contemplating shrinking the number of teams participating in the Champions Cup to make it feel more exclusive, with possibilities of returning to 16 or 18 teams.
The "Premiumization" of the Champions Cup is a project in progress, with various potential forms it could take, but changes are not anticipated Anytime Soon.
South African teams, having joined the Champions Cup in the 2022-23 season, have expressed concerns over the logistical and environmental implications of traveling between Europe and Africa, potentially leading to under-strength teams.
Despite the challenges faced, South African teams maintain a strong desire to win the Champions Cup, demonstrating the same level of determination as in the World Cup.