Club World Cup firmly on agenda
PLANS are firmly under way to stage a Club World Cup every four years, it has been confirmed.
The news was revealed by Welsh-born former England international Simon Halliday as he stepped down as chairman of EPCR, the organisation which runs the European cup competitions.
He says EPCR has signed a new eight-year agreement which will guarantee the long-term future of both the Heineken Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup.
But it also opens the door for global expansion.
The four South African franchises - Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and Lions - that have joined the Welsh regions in a 16-team United Rugby Championship will take part in the European cup competitions from next season.
And then there are ambitions for further cross-continent clashes which would see the top sides from New Zealand and Australia also involved.
“From this new agreement, we are now working on the participation of the South African provinces and building towards a Club World Cup every four years which would replace the latter stages of the Heineken Champions Cup,” he said.
“Together with our improved formats, reduced pool matches and more knockout rugby, EPCR is in a great position to grow.”
The 23-cap Haverfordwestborn Halliday, who has been EPCR chairman for more than six years, added: “As I depart the scene of the best club rugby tournaments in the world, I know it will become even better over the next number of years.
“EPCR has signed a new eightyear agreement which I believe is a triumph of negotiation and shared objectives between the leagues and unions of Europe.
“This will guarantee the longterm future of both the Heineken Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup.
“At the same time, this will create clarity for the international and club calendar.
“The players and all rugby fans will be delighted as, for them, the European tournaments have become a vital piece of their season’s ambitions.”
This season’s Euro action will begin in December, with the Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff in the top-tier Champions Cup, while the Dragons will be in the Challenge Cup.