European and Challenge cups can be finished say organisers

European rugby chiefs say they are still intent on completing this year’s Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments despite the continuing coronavirus lockdown.

Both events have been frozen at the quarter-final stages since early April but European Club Rugby says it is working towards staging finals on October 16 and 17 respectively.

The organisation also confirmed it is considering a potential revamp of the format for its continental competitions for the forthcoming season.

In a statement, EPCR said: “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.”

Meanwhile, English Premiership clubs who breach the salary cap in future face being stripped of their titles.

An independent review, led by former government minister Lord Myners, has proposed greater flexibility for a disciplinary panel, also including the ability to demand stiffer fines, a return of prize money, and potential suspensions.

The review follows last year’s punishment of Saracens for breaches of the salary cap and subsequent failure to provide proof of their immediate compliance to auditors.

Saracens were docked 35 points and fined £5.36 million, also later submitting to relegation to the Championship, but there was no means to strip them of silverware.