European Rugby Cups: EPCR considers a 24-club Heineken Champions Cup format in 2020-21

"EPCR can confirm that a number of tournament formats are being considered for the 2020-21 season" including "the possibility of a 24-club Heineken Champions Cup with eight representatives from each of Europe's leading league competitions (Top 14, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Guinness Pro14), played over eight weekends," said the body on 14/05/2020. "If adopted, any new format would apply to next season's tournament only on an exceptional basis."

"In the meantime, EPCR remains committed to making every effort to conclude the knockout stages of the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup (2019-20) season subject to official advice and with the health and welfare of players, club staff, match officials, supporters and the wider rugby community in mind. It is hoped that the 2020 finals could be staged on 16 and 17/10/2020," continued the body, which confirmed the suspension of the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup on 24/03/2020 and therefore the postponement until later dates of the semi-finals and the finals scheduled on 01, 02 and 03 and 22 and 23/05/2020 respectively.

"We can…