European Rugby Champions Cup organisers are on the defensive about their current format, but are open to making adjustments next season. The decision to kick off the tournament in December has sparked criticism, with some arguing that it disrupts the traditional club rugby calendar.
The existing four-pool structure and 24-team format have seen a notable increase in interest, with TV audiences doubling over the past six years and aggregate stadium attendances rising by 50%. However, the tournament's image has suffered from clubs sending weakened teams to high-profile pool games away from home, which has led to complex travel logistics and criticism of the format.
Despite these challenges, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) chief executive Jacques Raynaud is adamant that the current format is delivering. He claims that the reduced number of dead-rubber games is a major strength, as well as an increase in audiences, fan engagement, and digital presence. The tournament has seen its best attendances since Covid-19 and has also witnessed a 50% rise in digital fan engagement.
Raynaud acknowledges that some may feel the format could be improved by making it more elite, but argues that the current structure is providing fantastic rugby on high-quality stages. He points to the success of the knockout stages, which are box office, and notes that refining the format will continue. However, he does admit that an earlier start and a bigger gap between the last 16 and quarter-finals would be beneficial.
Raynaud confirms that shifting the start date back to October is likely, citing its popularity among coaches and clubs as a factor. A single weekend apiece in October and December could potentially address concerns about travel logistics and ticket sales. The final details are still being fine-tuned, but EPCR officials are eager to make adjustments to improve the tournament's competitiveness and appeal.
As the Champions Cup continues to grow in popularity, its organisers will need to balance the demands of rival interests with the desire to deliver an exciting and competitive product for fans. With a renewed focus on making incremental improvements, it remains to be seen how the format will evolve over time.
The existing four-pool structure and 24-team format have seen a notable increase in interest, with TV audiences doubling over the past six years and aggregate stadium attendances rising by 50%. However, the tournament's image has suffered from clubs sending weakened teams to high-profile pool games away from home, which has led to complex travel logistics and criticism of the format.
Despite these challenges, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) chief executive Jacques Raynaud is adamant that the current format is delivering. He claims that the reduced number of dead-rubber games is a major strength, as well as an increase in audiences, fan engagement, and digital presence. The tournament has seen its best attendances since Covid-19 and has also witnessed a 50% rise in digital fan engagement.
Raynaud acknowledges that some may feel the format could be improved by making it more elite, but argues that the current structure is providing fantastic rugby on high-quality stages. He points to the success of the knockout stages, which are box office, and notes that refining the format will continue. However, he does admit that an earlier start and a bigger gap between the last 16 and quarter-finals would be beneficial.
Raynaud confirms that shifting the start date back to October is likely, citing its popularity among coaches and clubs as a factor. A single weekend apiece in October and December could potentially address concerns about travel logistics and ticket sales. The final details are still being fine-tuned, but EPCR officials are eager to make adjustments to improve the tournament's competitiveness and appeal.
As the Champions Cup continues to grow in popularity, its organisers will need to balance the demands of rival interests with the desire to deliver an exciting and competitive product for fans. With a renewed focus on making incremental improvements, it remains to be seen how the format will evolve over time.
... like, why do they gotta kick off in Dec? That's just gonna mess with the calendar, you know? And don't even get me started on the teams sendin' weakened squads to these high-profile games... that's just a money grab, if you ask me 
. They're more worried about gettin' those fancy stadiums filled than they are about puttin' on a good show for the fans. I'm all for makin' some adjustments, but this feels like it's all about the Benjamins... or in this case, the European Rugby Dollars 
. And what's with the secrecy around the new start date? Shifting it back to Oct, huh? That just reeks of tryin' to cover somethin' up, if you ask me 
.
. And yeah, the travel logistics can be a real pain, like, imagine having to get your team to France just 2 days after the previous game... it's just not practical 
.
. October start would be way better, like you said 
. And maybe a bigger gap between the last 16 and quarter-finals? That'd make more sense 
. But at the end of the day, I just want to watch some great rugby with my mates, not worry about the logistics 
.
with increased interest and TV audiences doubling over the past 6 yrs. Let's be real tho, those weakened teams showing up in high-profile games is a major bummer 
Maybe shifting the start date to Oct and having more time between rounds would help? That'd be a solid move 
and an increase in digital fan engagement is a must 
#ECPRUprising. The only way forward is making adjustments, tweaks at a time 
... I mean, I love rugby as much as the next guy, but come on! December start? Are you kidding me?! It's like they're trying to put everyone out of commission before even getting to the good stuff 
. I get that some people want more elite teams, but do we really need all these dead-rubber games? It's like watching paint dry 
... and don't even get me started on travel logistics 
. October start, yeah, let's do it! That would be so much better for fans and coaches alike 
.
. On one hand, it's great that they've seen a massive increase in interest and attendance numbers 
. But on the other hand, I get why some fans would want to see an elite competition with stronger teams 
️.
A single weekend apiece in October and December is a solid idea 
️. And let's be real, who doesn't love a more relaxed rugby calendar 
? But at the same time, you don't want to sacrifice competitiveness or the excitement of knockout stages 
.
. It's not going to be perfect, but I'm excited to see how they evolve the format in the coming years 
. Plus, think about how much easier it'd be for fans to travel and for teams to schedule their games around the tournament 
. I'm not saying the current format is all bad, but a bit more consideration for the fans wouldn't hurt 
[Image of a clock ticking] 
] and let's not forget about those fancy travel logistics... [Image of a plane taking off, but with a big X marked through it 
cancel]
] if we can get that start date fixed and make travel logistics easier, I'm all in! 
[GIF of a rugby ball bouncing through the air, with confetti popping in the background]
But at the same time, I can see why travel logistics and team strength are major issues... It's like they're trying to juggle too many balls in the air. Shifting the start date back to Oct might be a good idea tho - it could help with ticket sales and all that. And yeah, reducing dead-rubber games is def a plus! 
. Time will tell how they fine-tune it, but I'm hyped for what's next! 
. I think October start date is a solid move, tho... it gives coaches and clubs some breathing room before the big knockout stages. But we'll see how it all shakes out next season