European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR)

News Summary:

On April 2, 2026, over 6,000 tickets for Harlequins’ Investec Champions Cup round of 16 fixture against Sale Sharks remained available, potentially leading to an attendance of less than 9,000, or 40% empty, at the 14,800-capacity venue, prompting calls for organizers to intervene with knockout rounds. This follows reports on January 28, 2026, that the English Premiership is exploring a shake-up of the Investec Champions Cup, with the French Top 14 and the URC aligning on the need for reform; Premiership Rugby executives are developing proposals to refresh the competition, which many perceive as bloated and diluted, and plan to present these ideas to European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR). Previously, on January 23, 2026, EPCR stated that its shift to a direct-to-consumer model for Italian broadcast coverage doubled its yield from the market compared to a traditional television deal. This announcement came after increasing criticism of the Champions Cup format from clubs, coaches, and fans, with many arguing that the current structure places excessive strain on players and squads, often leading teams to field weakened sides for matches, as noted on January 20, 2026. Earlier, on December 4, 2025, EPCR confirmed that the Investec Champions Cup, featuring 24 clubs, and the EPCR Challenge Cup, with 18 clubs, would return to San Mamés at the end of May to determine their winners, following a successful event in 2018.