Credit: Sale Sharks

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) are weighing up several formats for next season’s Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup competitions.

In a statement from EPCR, the governing body of both competitions made it clear that any changes that are introduced will apply to next season only.

“As part of its future planning, and with the extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the forefront, EPCR can confirm that a number of tournament formats are being considered for the 2020/21 season,” it read.

“Ongoing discussions with EPCR’s league and union shareholders regarding new formats have included the possibility of a 24-club Heineken Champions Cup with eight representatives from each of Europe’s leading league competitions, played over eight weekends. If adopted, any new format would apply to next season’s tournament only on an exceptional basis”.

Sale Sharks currently sit in second in the Gallagher Premiership table, securing them a spot in next season’s Champions Cup as things stand.

Steve Diamond’s side were involved in Europe’s premier competition this season for the first time in three years. They failed to make it past the pool stages – losing all but one of their matches.

Image credit: Sale Sharks

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