Euro chiefs ponder new format for next season

EUROPEAN rugby chiefs have revealed that they are considering a 24-team Heineken Champions Cup format for next season.

In a statement, EPCR stated that it would involve eight teams from the PRO14, Gallagher Premiership and French Top 14, an increase of four.

The tournament would be played over eight weekends during the 2020/21 campaign.

Further than that no other details were disclosed, but they reiterated their desire to see the 2019/20 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup knockout games reach a conclusion, and proposed a possible date for the finals later this year.

The Scarlets were due to face Toulon and Bristol face Dragons in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup before the coronavirus took hold.

In a statement they said: “As part of its future planning, and with the extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the forefront, EPCR can confirm that a number of tournament formats are being considered for the 2020-21 season.

“Ongoing discussions with EPCR’s league and union shareholders regarding new formats have included the possibility of a 24-club Heineken Champions Cup with eight representatives from each of Europe’s leading league competitions, played over eight weekends.

If adopted, any new format would apply to next season’s tournament only on an exceptional basis.

“In the meantime, EPCR remains committed to making every effort to conclude the knockout stages of the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup season subject to official advice and with the health and welfare of players, club staff, match officials, supporters and the wider rugby community in mind.

“It is hoped that the 2020 finals could be staged on 16 and 17 October.”