EPCR Reveal Plans For This Season & Next Season’s Champions Cup

Update.

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) have revealed plans to stage this season’s Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals in October.

The governing body released a statement this afternoon to confirm they hope to finish this season’s competition, subject to official advice with the entire knockout stage yet to be played.

EPCR also revealed plans to potentially expand the competition to 24 teams next season as a result of the disruption to domestic competitions.

Eight teams from each from the PRO14, the Top 14 and the Premiership would qualify with the tournament to be played over eight weekends.

“As part of its future planning, and with the extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the forefront, EPCR can confirm that a number of tournament formats are being considered for the 2020/21 season,” an EPCR statement read.

“Ongoing discussions with EPCR’s league and union shareholders regarding new formats have included the possibility of a 24-club Heineken Champions Cup with eight representatives from each of Europe’s leading league competitions, played over eight weekends. If adopted, any new format would apply to next season’s tournament only on an exceptional basis.

“In the meantime, EPCR remains committed to making every effort to conclude the knockout stages of the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup season subject to official advice and with the health and welfare of players, club staff, match officials, supporters and the wider rugby community in mind. It is hoped that the 2020 finals could be staged on 16 and 17 October.”

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