EPCR has introduced several changes aimed at making the pool stage of the Investec Champions Cup more competitive.
The tournament organisers have finalised the revamped format, while also ending speculation that the European showpiece would be reduced from 24 teams to 16.
The current structure will remain in place until at least 2030, while South Africa’s four Vodacom URC clubs remain fully committed to the tournament.
The biggest change affects qualification for the knockout stage. Instead of the top four teams in each pool progressing automatically, only the top three will be guaranteed a place in the last 16. The remaining four spots will be awarded to the best-performing teams across all four pools, increasing the importance of every match and reducing the likelihood of teams advancing with just a single victory.
Another tweak comes in the tie-break criteria. If teams finish level on log points, the number of matches won will now determine the higher-ranked side before points difference is considered, placing greater emphasis on securing victories.
The bonus-point system has also been revised. The traditional four-try bonus point has been scrapped, with teams now required to score at least three more tries than their opponents to earn an attacking bonus.
“The purpose of this change is to reward teams who continue to play attacking rugby and who remain resolute in defence once victory appears certain, effectively ensuring tournament matches stay competitive for longer,” said EPCR.
“The change will also enable teams to deny their opponents an offensive bonus point if their defensive intensity drops, the status of the offensive bonus will remain uncertain until the conclusion of each fixture.”
The losing bonus point for defeats by seven points or fewer remains unchanged.
The competition calendar has also been adjusted. The opening round will move from December to October, before the Nations Championship, with round two scheduled for December and the final two pool rounds taking place in January ahead of the Six Nations.
The Challenge Cup will remain an 18-team competition, with the Cheetahs and Georgian outfit Black Lion returning as invited teams.
The Champions Cup and Challenge Cup pool draws will take place in Dublin on Wednesday.
2026-27 Champions Cup qualifiers
Top 14: Toulouse, Montpellier, Stade Français, Racing 92, Pau, La Rochelle, Clermont, Bordeaux Bègles.
Premiership: Northampton Saints, Exeter Chiefs, Bath, Leicester Tigers, Saracens, Bristol Bears, Sale Sharks, Gloucester.
URC: Leinster, Bulls, Glasgow Warriors, Stormers, Munster, Cardiff, Lions, Connacht.
DOBBO: Champions Cup ‘massive’ for Stormers
2026-27 match weekends
Round 1: 16/17/18 October 2026
Round 2: 11/12/13 December 2026
Round 3: 8/9/10 January 2027
Round 4: 15/16/17 January 2027
Round of 16: 2/3/4 April 2027
Quarter-finals: 9/10/11 April 2027
Semi-finals: 30 April / 1/2 May 2027
Lyon 2027 Finals Weekend, OL Stadium
EPCR Challenge Cup final: Friday, 21 May 2027
Investec Champions Cup final: Saturday, 22 May 2027
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Greater jeopardy in Champions Cup appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
EPCR has introduced several changes aimed at making the pool stage of the Investec Champions Cup more competitive.
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