Champions Cup could be extended to 24 teams next season thanks to new EPCR proposals | Rugby Union News

The governing body of European Rugby has stated that it plans to expand the Champions Cup to 24 clubs next season and has presented October as a possible date for the final of the competition. this season.

This ongoing campaign was suspended in the quarterfinals after the end of the coronavirus pandemic across the continent.

The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) said on Thursday that it is considering several unique formats for next season's competition, with a reduced deadline due to the current suspension.

An ECPR statement said: "Ongoing discussions with league shareholders and the EPCR union regarding the new formats have included the possibility of a Heineken Champions Cup of 24 clubs with eight representatives from each of the main European League Competitions, which will be played over eight weekends.

"If adopted, any new format would only apply to next season's tournament on an exceptional basis."

The Saracens, Exeter and Northampton had reached the quarter-finals of the 2019-20 tournament and had to play their last eight matches in early April.

ECPR has declared that it expects the 2020 final "to take place on October 16 and 17", which means a resumption of the tournament at the beginning of the month or in September.

Meanwhile, EPCR remains committed to doing its utmost to complete the playoff phases of the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup seasons subject to official advice and the health and well-being of the players. , club staff. , match officials, fans and the wider rugby community, "the statement added.

The Rugby Football Union of England said on Wednesday that it will "consider plans" for Premier League players to start individual training sessions with social distance.

However, the governing body also said there was "important work to be done" before such a return could be sanctioned.