A major turning point in the history of European rugby. From the 2022-2023 season, five South African teams will participate in the European Cups, formalized the EPCR, the body that governs rugby on the continent, Thursday, June 2, in a press release.
“This is a crucial step in realizing our vision for the development of rugby […] creating an ever higher level of exciting matches for our fans”, supported Dominic McKay, president of the EPCR. “Rugby is at a very high level and our best players have certainly benefited from this change“, rejoiced Jurie Roux, director general of the South African Federation.
This announcement follows on from previous developments, with the integration of South African franchises into the former Celtic league in 2017. Now called the United Rugby Championship, this division once featured teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italian.
The Sharks (Durban), Stormers (Cape Town) and Bulls (Pretoria) will contest the Champions Cup, in line with their position in the United Rugby Championship top eight. The Lions (Johannesburg) will play the Challenge Cup, as will the Cheetahs (Bloemfontein), “guests” for the occasion. These arrivals”will intensify competition by bringing new competition to Europe’s elite clubs“, read the joint press release.
For the first time, Top 14 clubs will face teams from the southern hemisphere in official competition. This change comes as, at the same time, various players in French rugby complain about busy schedules. For the time being, the logistical arrangements, including the meeting places, have not been announced, as has the new format of the competitions. Remember that it takes about 11 hours of flight to reach South Africa from France. The draw for both competitions will take place “at the end of the month”, the statement said. The Finals of the two European Cups 2023 will be organized at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May.