Bulls controversy sparks Champions Cup rethink

European Professional Club Rugby is desperate to separate its Champions Cup knockout phases to avoid a repeat of the Bulls’ selection controversy that damaged the credibility of its showpiece competition.

The organisers of the European club competitions are investigating the circumstances that led to the Bulls sending a second XV to play Northampton Saints in a Champions Cup quarter-final at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday night. Northampton, the Premiership leaders, ended up romping to a nine-try 59-22 victory against the Bulls, who had made 13 changes from their round-of-16 win against Lyon.

It is understood EPCR insiders are conscious of the need to “educate” South Africans about the Champions Cup’s place as the preeminent competition in club rugby, with Bulls director of rugby Jake White apparently prioritising this week’s home match against Munster in which they could secure a home semi-final in the United Rugby Championship.

It is unlikely EPCR will administer any punishment or even publicise the conclusions of its findings.

Clubs often field weakened teams in Champions Cup groupstage games, but it is a terrible look for the tournament for the Bulls to send their reserves to one of its most important matches.

In the view of EPCR insiders, the root cause of the problem is scheduling the last 16 and quarter-finals on back-to-back weekends. That meant Bulls players and coaches had to travel to Europe on eight separate flights. “You have to get a structure that allows everyone to pick their best players every single time that this competition rolls into town,” a source said.

Meanwhile, Leinster have signed New Zealand centre Jordie Barrett on a short-term deal next season.*