Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone insists the financial gulf between South African and French clubs is not the biggest obstacle to success in the Investec Champions Cup.
Six-time European champions Toulouse have a salary cap of €13.8-million (R256-million) for the 2026-27 season, with defending champions Bordeaux Bègles next on €12.72-million (R236-million).
In contrast, South Africa’s four URC clubs operate under a R95-million salary cap, although that excludes the salaries of up to four senior marquee or loyalty players.
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Speaking to TimesLIVE, Rathbone acknowledged the financial disparity but pointed to other challenges facing South African teams.
“There is a gap in financial resources, but it doesn’t play the biggest role.
“Our challenge is the international season is not aligned and it is still a helluva problem. We also have a heavier travel schedule and we are learning every year how to do things differently.”
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Rathbone believes the earlier start to this season’s Champions Cup will benefit the South African teams.
“We’ve made adjustments for this season and the biggest change has been this first round being played earlier.
“Previously, the Champions Cup started in December and the Boks were on tour in Europe the week before. It was the end of a very long season for them and they are at their worst then.”
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Rathbone says building sufficient squad depth is essential if the Bulls are to challenge on both the Champions Cup and URC fronts.
“We will go full out for both competitions at the start, it’s why we’re building a squad. Squad rotation plays a big part; you need 36 players who can rotate and not really weaken the team because everybody is fresh.
“That depth is where the wealth gap does come in, but we have got closer.”
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/INPHO
The post Bulls boss: Money not biggest factor appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone insists the financial gulf between South African and French clubs is not the biggest obstacle to success in the Investec Champions Cup.
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