Organisers of the Investec Champions Cup are actively considering a significant calendar shift, with plans to move the start of the tournament's pool stages back to October next season. The change, which has garnered support from clubs and coaches, aims to inject greater early-season momentum into the European competition.
Defending the Format Amidst Calls for Change
Despite widespread criticism of the current 24-team, four-pool structure, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) insists the tournament is in robust health. Chief Executive Jacques Raynaud pointed to strong data, stating that television audiences have doubled over the past six years. Furthermore, aggregate stadium attendances have seen a 50% rise to approximately 1.5 million in the same period.
"The format is delivering when you look at how few dead-rubber games there are," Raynaud asserted. "We have a compelling tournament with a stable format that is delivering what we wanted: jeopardy, increasing audiences, increasing fan engagement." He also highlighted a 50% increase in digital fan engagement post-Covid.
The Case for an October Kick-Off
The current season began in December, but there is a collective push to revert to an October commencement. This would place the opening rounds before the congested November international Test window. Raynaud confirmed the move is likely, stating, "I think it is likely we will go back to an October start."
The proposed shift offers several key benefits:
- Clubs would have a better chance of fielding their strongest squads before key players depart for national duty.
- It would better align with the traditional start of the club rugby season narrative.
- Coaches favour it as it helps build player fitness and form ahead of the autumn Tests.
The exact configuration—whether as two consecutive weekends in October or a more spread-out schedule—remains under discussion. Raynaud emphasised the need for consistency, noting organisers wish to avoid confusing fans by shifting dates annually due to events like the Rugby World Cup.
Addressing Tournament Challenges
While defending the overall success of the Champions Cup, EPCR acknowledges specific challenges. These include high-profile clubs fielding weakened teams for away pool games, complex travel logistics involving South African sides, and debate over the qualification of teams like Leicester and the Bulls, who reached the last 16 this season after winning only one of their four pool matches.
Raynaud also signalled potential tweaks to the knockout stage schedule, suggesting a bigger gap between the last 16 and quarter-final weekends. This would allow more time to market tickets and assist travelling supporters with their arrangements.
Despite the planned adjustments, the EPCR boss remains bullish. "The knockout stages are box office, the numbers are great," he said. "Remember our job is not only to provide cheese and dessert. We have to lay on a great compelling tournament... and also have a financial formula that is liked by TV, sponsors and host cities."
