European showpiece may not be mainstream next season

THE Investec Champions Cup could disappear from mainstream TV in the UK next season.

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), who organise the tournament, have failed to agree a renewed deal with current broadcasters TNT Sports, the Times reports.

The publication understands that the tournament bosses have few viable options other than TNT - formerly BT Sport - with sources concerned that European rugby could be “left out in the cold” unless a deal is struck.

TNT currently broadcasts the Gallagher Premiership and will also show the Autumn Nations Test series later this year after taking the rights from Amazon Prime.

It will show the Champions Cup final between Leinster and Toulouse on May 25 but its current deal with EPCR will then expire.

The broadcaster is, however, said to be keen to continue showing the tournament but not for an increased price.

Other broadcasters, including Viaplay - which shows the URC have a smaller budget, while Sky Sports have cut back on their rugby union coverage, save for summer Tests and Lions tours, meaning other options are limited.

The Champions Cup is financially and logistically challenging for broadcasters, particularly with the addition of teams from South Africa.

TNT has provided commentary on games being held in South Africa from its studios in London, while high costs meant they did not send punditry teams out to some games in France this season.

While the format will stay the same for at least the next season, tournament bosses are also said to be keen to explore the idea of taking the competition’s semifinals to one neutral city in Europe, in a move to create a “festival of rugby”.

Portugal is said to have expressed interest, with a bid to hold the last-four clashes at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz (below) reportedly made earlier this season.