Champions Cup organisers defend format but consider changes next season

January 19, 2026

TL;DR

Organizers of the Champions Cup are considering moving the tournament's start date back to October.
The proposed change aims to add impetus to the pool stages and allow clubs to have their best players available.
Coaches and clubs generally support commencing the tournament before the November Test window.
The current tournament structure is in place until 2030, but a change is being recognized as potentially beneficial.
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) reports that television audiences have doubled and stadium attendances have risen by 50% in the past six years.
EPCR's chief executive, Jacques Raynaud, defends the 24-team, four-pool structure, citing few dead-rubber games and increasing fan engagement.
Raynaud acknowledges that an earlier start would be beneficial, as would a larger gap between the last 16 and quarter-finals.
A return to an October start is a desire, but specifics regarding scheduling (e.g., blocks of weekends) are still being fine-tuned.

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