The EPCR, which organizes continental competitions, is considering organizing the semi-finals of its competitions in the same venue, like what is done in the Top 14. And wishes to open up to new territories. In Europe, but not only.
Since the start of the health crisis linked to Covid, the European Rugby Cups have been constantly evolving. The EPCR, which organizes the continental games, had to adapt to health constraints and in particular changed the format of the competitions. This year, the next editions of the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup are marked by the arrival of the South African provinces in the competition: the Sharks, the Bulls, the Stormers, the Lions and the Cheetahs.
In this regard, the EPCR and the South African Rugby Union (SARU, South African Rugby Union) have signed a partnership with Qatar Airways to facilitate travel between teams between the Old Continent and South Africa. Since Doha, the director general of the European body, Anthony Lepage, has made several strategic announcements for the rest of the competitions.
«There is no limit»
He notably mentioned the possibility of organizing the semi-finals of the European Cup in the same stadium, like what has been done for several seasons in the Top 14.If it can help us fill a stadium and fans can plan their trip, that’s a possibility, he said on the EPCR website. Some projects are ambitious, but we are in a phase where there are no limits. We work with the Leagues, it’s very important. We have our own interests, our own DNA, but if we respect that, there is no limit.“Including to open up to”new territories“. And to mention Italy, Portugal, Germany, Brussels and Amsterdam.
According The Times, Qatar is also reportedly showing keen interest in hosting rugby matches. Initially, some meetings of the United Rugby Championship (the championship which brings together Welsh, Irish, Italian, Scottish and South African provinces) could be relocated there. But, eventually, the small Middle Eastern state would also aim for European matches in the air-conditioned stadiums of Doha, after the Football World Cup.
“There is a balance to be found between money and sport, it is not easy”
A possibility that Anthony Lepage, the interim director general of the EPCR, has not ruled out. “There is a huge commitment on their part to invest in sport, he told the British daily. There are no limits, so let’s start the relationship and see. Rugby is very traditional, so maybe it’s too early. But we have a lot of plans. We are talking about a Club World Cup, and maybe Qatar could be a destination for that. Maybe in ten years…»
A prospect that cannot be ruled out in any case. “The rugby ecosystem cannot be closed to opportunities like this. Other sports do. For rugby in particular because we are too small a family. In the northern hemisphere there are only six nations. You have to expand, open the door to others, and club competition is a door… There is a balance to be found between money and sport, it’s not easy.»
Since 2016, the two European Cup finals have already taken place in the same venue. From now on, the European body would think about doing the same at the semi-final stage. Last year, at this stage of the competition, Leinster swept Toulouse (40-17) at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and Racing 92 lost against La Rochelle (13-20) at the Bollaert-Delelis stadium. of Lens.
European finals in South Africa?
In addition, the DG of the EPCR suggested that the idea of organizing the European finals in South Africa is also under consideration. “I would like to show that this territory needs love, because it is a land of rugby. As Europeans, we can learn from South Africans. We will have some very nice clashes on the pitch, which is a huge excitement. The French, the English and the others will say “it’s our tournament and we don’t want the South Africans to win it”. that’s exciting »
