Rugby: European Rugby Champions Cup to replace the Heineken Cup from 2014-15

The European Rugby Champions Cup will replace the Heineken Cup beginning with the 2014-15 season, EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) announced on 10/04/2014. This new competition, to be in place for at least eight years, was created by agreement between the nine stakeholding rugby countries (see below).

It will involve 20 clubs: those from Top 14, Aviva Premiership (England), and RaboDirect Pro 12 (Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy).

The Amlin Cup has also been replaced by a new competition, the European Rugby Challenge Cup. And, a "qualifying competition" will be held, allowing two teams from Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Romania, Russia and Georgia to get into the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

The EPCR will now be the new manager and organiser for European rugby competitions. This new association replaces the ERC (European Rugby Club) which will be disbanded after 19 years of existence.

Sponsorship:

• The EPRC does not want a title sponsor for the European Rugby Champions Cup and will go for the model of sponsorship used by the Champions League, which has several official…