A radical proposal to overtake the Investec Champions Cup by scrapping the pool stage and introducing a straight knockout format is gaining help.
In keeping with The Telegraph, the English golf equipment are driving plans for a revamped 16-team event that may start with a two-legged spherical of 16 earlier than transferring into quarter-finals, semi-finals and a ultimate.
The proposed format would cut back the variety of European weekends from eight to 5, however supporters of the plan consider it could create a extra elite and commercially engaging competitors.
“It might make each sport field workplace,” a supply advised The Telegraph.
The competitors would reportedly even be performed in two blocks after the Six Nations, relatively than being unfold throughout a number of home windows in the course of the season.
The present format has come underneath growing criticism, with 24 groups cut up into 4 swimming pools and solely eight sides eradicated earlier than the playoffs.
This season, the Vodacom Bulls and Leicester Tigers each certified for the spherical of 16 after profitable only one pool match.
Whereas the playoffs have delivered high-quality contests, the pool stage has typically featured weakened groups and one-sided scorelines.
“The competitors must turn into elite once more,” one other supply mentioned. “Everybody can see this set-up shouldn’t be working.”
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The proposal would additionally improve the significance of home leagues.
Below the reported mannequin, the highest 5 groups from the English Premiership, French High 14 and Vodacom URC would qualify routinely, with an additional place awarded to the league of the defending European champion.
French rugby figures are understood to be receptive to the concept, though discussions stay at an early stage.
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The long run involvement of South African groups additionally stays unsure after SA Rugby president Mark Alexander not too long ago confirmed that the union is reviewing participation in all competitions due to participant workload considerations.
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Picture: Willem Loock/Inpho
