While getting used to playing in European competitions may still be new to South Africans and this hopefully the challenge will be a lot stronger, there have been a couple of very significant changes to the format of both the Investec Champions’ Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup to take note of.
Other than an October start to the competition - a solitary week - before action continues in December - there was some unhappiness about sides qualifying for the Round of 16 despite scoring only one win out of four, and this has prompted some changes to the competition structure.
The review process involved extensive consultation with EPCR stakeholders, including the three leagues - the Gallagher PREM, United Rugby Championship and TOP 14.
“The changes are designed to enhance the competitiveness and intensity of the Pool stage fixtures by enhancing the battle for qualification to the Round of 16, and ensuring matches stay competitive for longer. “
Rule change 1: Qualification into the Round of 16
Investec Champions Cup
While last year the top four (of six) highest-ranked clubs in each of the four pools qualified for the Round of 16, this year only the THREE top-ranked teams will qualify.
The three highest-ranked clubs in each pool will automatically qualify.
The remaining four Round of 16 places will go to the four clubs with the highest number of match points across all pools, regardless of which Pool they are in.
The four places in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 will be awarded to the next four clubs with the highest number of match points, also regardless of which pool they are in.
This means clubs finishing below fourth place in their respective pool can still qualify, but only if they have enough points compared to clubs from other pools.
Also there has been a change to how rankings will be determined. If two or more clubs in the same pool are equal on match points, their ranking will be determined as follows:
(1) the greatest number of wins; or
(2) if equal, the best aggregate points difference from the pool stage; or
(3) if equal, the number of tries scored in the pool stage; or
(4) if equal, by drawing lots.
EPCR Challenge Cup
Qualification for the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 will follow the same methodology, but adapted to suit the unique challenge of teams coming down after the pool rounds to the EPCR Challenge Cup.
From 2026/27:
The three highest-ranked clubs in each pool will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
The remaining three Round of 16 places will go to the three clubs with the highest number of match points across all pools, regardless of which pool they are in.
Four clubs will continue to drop down from the Investec Champions Cup and join the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16, as outlined above.
Ranking will be determined along the same criteria as the Investec Champions Cup, with match wins taking precedence over points difference to separate two clubs tied on match points.
Rule change 2. Try Bonus Points
There is a change regarding the system by which Try-scoring Bonus Points are awarded, awarding bonus points for attacking performance if a team scores three or more tries more than their opposition. This is similar to the Rugby Championship.
The purpose of this change is to reward teams who continue to play attacking rugby AND who remain resolute in defence once victory appears certain, effectively ensuring tournament matches stay competitive for longer.
The change will also enable teams to deny their opponents an offensive bonus point if their defensive intensity drops, the status of the offensive bonus will remain uncertain until the conclusion of each fixture.
The losing bonus point will remain available if a defeated team can limit the margin of defeat to seven points or fewer.