Organisers of the Investec Champions Cup are actively considering a significant shift in the tournament calendar, with plans to move the start of the pool stages back to October. This proposed change comes as European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) defends the current format's success while acknowledging areas for improvement.
Defending the Format Amid Calls for Change
Despite facing criticism over its 24-team, four-pool structure, EPCR insists the Champions Cup is in robust health. Chief Executive Jacques Raynaud pointed to strong data, revealing that television audiences have doubled in the past six years. Furthermore, aggregate stadium attendances have surged by approximately 50% to around 1.5 million over the same period, marking the best post-pandemic figures for the competition.
Raynaud addressed several common complaints head-on, including instances of clubs fielding weakened teams for away games and the complex logistics involving South African sides. He also noted the unusual qualification of teams like Leicester and the Bulls for the last 16 despite winning only one of their four pool matches. However, he argued that the format's core objective is being met. "The format is delivering when you look at how few dead-rubber games there are," Raynaud stated. "We have a compelling tournament with a stable format that is delivering what we wanted: jeopardy, increasing audiences, increasing fan engagement."
The Push for an October Kick-Off
The most likely immediate change is a return to an October commencement for the pool stages, a move supported by numerous clubs and coaches. This year's edition began in December, but there is collective backing to start before the congested November international window.
"I think it is likely we will go back to an October start," said Raynaud, while cautioning it was not yet confirmed. "That's a desire. A lot of people liked it because it corresponded more to the narrative around the start of the club rugby season. And coaches like it because it builds into the Test matches."
The exact configuration is under discussion, with options including a single weekend in October and another in December, rather than two consecutive weekends in October. A key consideration is maintaining consistency and avoiding confusion in World Cup years. Raynaud also highlighted the potential benefit of a longer gap between the last 16 and quarter-final weekends, allowing more time for ticket sales and fan travel arrangements.
Balancing Sport and Commerce
Raynaud emphasised that EPCR's role extends beyond simply organising a sporting contest. The financial model must satisfy broadcasters, sponsors, and host cities to maximise revenue for the club game. "Remember our job is not only to provide cheese and dessert," he remarked. "We have to lay on a great compelling tournament from a sporting fan side and also have a financial formula that is liked by TV, sponsors and host cities."
While the current tournament structure is technically contracted until 2030, the appetite for fine-tuning is clear. The proposed October shift aims to provide early-season momentum, ensure better player availability before autumn internationals, and ultimately heighten fan interest from the outset of the European campaign.
