The Sport Thread

[RhysJR]

Whoever thought up the (European) rugby formats really need to have a word with themselves.


I think in the Champions Cup, the teams in Tier 1 play the Tier 4 teams not in their league, and Tier 2 play Tier 3.
So, for example, Leicester play Ospreys and Clermont.



I think in the Challenge Cup Tier 1 play Tier 3 team's that are not in their league home and away, and Tier 2 teams play the other two teams not in their league in Tier 2 home and away. Cheetahs for reasons are basically English; they will play their home matches in Europe rather than South Africa. All other South Africans team will play their home games in South Africa.




Guess there's still no word on broadcasters for this competition in the UK and Ireland? SuperSport were namechecked in the broadcast as showing the draw live, so presumably they will broadcast the competitions in South Africa. And BT Sport's Craig Doyle was one of the draw hosts, though that may have just been because the draw was in Dublin rather than any indication that BT Sport will continue to have involvement.

One format change from this year is that the Round of 16 remains, but is only single legged despite the two legs being popularly received this year. The competitions will be over eight weeks, with four rounds of pool stages in December and January then four knockout rounds after the Six Nations.