French rugby clubs have expressed support for a proposed overhaul of the European Rugby Champions Cup aimed at reducing the number of participating teams from 24 to 16. The initiative seeks to increase the competition’s exclusivity and intensity by eliminating the current pool stage format and replacing it with a knockout structure.
The current format, which includes 24 teams—eight each from England’s Gallagher Premiership, France’s Top 14, and the United Rugby Championship—has been contractually agreed upon until 2030. However, clubs from the Premiership and Top 14 are advocating for a change that would allow the tournament to adopt a more condensed and competitive framework before that date.
Under the proposal, the tournament would operate exclusively as a knockout competition over six weekends, beginning in January instead of the usual October start. The initial round of 16 and quarterfinals would be played over two legs, home and away, to heighten competition stakes, followed by single-leg semifinals and a final held at neutral venues.
Yann Roubert, president of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR), which governs the Top 14 and Pro D2 in France, openly endorsed the plan. Roubert emphasized the desire to establish “a more elite European competition, maybe by coming down to 16 clubs rather than 24, so we have only very high-level matches,” signaling French support for a more streamlined and competitive tournament.
The proposed restructure is being discussed among European clubs and administrators, with the possibility that it could be put to a vote in the near future. If approved, the changes would mark a significant departure from the existing format, aiming to enhance match quality and commercial appeal. However, some stakeholders have raised concerns over reduced access for smaller clubs and potential losses in revenue tied to fewer fixtures.
As discussions continue, the final format and schedule of the Champions Cup remain undecided, with all three domestic leagues—the Premiership, Top 14, and URC—expected to engage in negotiations before any official alterations are ratified.