European Rugby Champions Cup Confirmed to Replace Heineken Cup Next Season

The European Rugby Champions Cup has been given the go-ahead and will start next season.

The new tournament to replace the Heineken Cup has been talked about for nearly two years and has finally been given approval.

Twenty teams will be involved, drugs | rather than 24, with six coming from the Aviva Premiership in England, six from the Top 14 from France and seven from the Pro12. The final place will be decided via a play-off.

The European Rugby Challenge Cup will replace the second tier Amlin Cup and a third tier will be introduced called the Qualifying Cup.

Clubs from France and England proposed the new tournament because they felt that governance, qualification rules and financial spread in the Heineken Cup were unfair.

Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Rugby Football Union, said: “This equitable, long-term agreement will provide the platform for rugby union to continue to expand across Europe, increasing interest and involvement in the game at all levels.”

Bill Beaumont, Chairman of the RFU added: “We are very pleased that the challenges off the pitch are concluded so we can enjoy the joys of the game on it, creating more unforgettable memories for players and fans alike.”

The principles behind the deal were signed by all of the nine parties involved, which included the unions from the Six Nations countries, plus the bodies of England, France and Wales.

The new competitions will be governed by European Professional Club Rugby, a Swiss-based association, replacing the European Rugby Cup (ERC), who are the current organisers.

Derek McGrath, current ERC CEO has confirmed he will stand down in October following the news.

BT Sport and Sky have reached an agreement to share broadcast coverage of the tournaments.

{jcomments on}