No 'home' Champions Cup semis for SA teams
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The South African franchises will have to play their home semifinal matches in Europe – should they progress that far in the tournament.
A very reliable source told @rugby365com, that the EPCR [European Professional Club Rugby] confirmed that the South African teams can earn home games in the Round of 16 and quarterfinal in the Champions Cup.
However, if any of them reach the semifinals and have earned a ‘home’ fixture in the last four, that game would take place in Europe rather than on South African soil.
The source revealed to @rugby365com, that the reason behind the decision is that the South African franchises are not yet shareholders of the competition.
Meanwhile, the Irish media outlet The42 reported that should two South African teams be drawn against each other in a semifinal, the EPCR revealed that ‘this position may be reviewed’.
At the moment, the Sharks have already qualified for the Round of 16 after recording three wins in their pool fixtures.
The Stormers and Bulls are on the cusp of qualifying as both need to win their last Pool matches. The Bulls travel to France to face Lyon, while the Stormers host Clermont in their final pool fixtures.
The same principle applies to the Lions in the Challenge Cup, The42 reported.
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The Lions have won one and drawn one of their three pool games so far but could still advance into the knock-out stages.
The Gauteng side would be entitled to host a home round of 16 and quarterfinal games in South Africa, but a ‘home’ semifinal would take place in Europe.
However, in the case of the Cheetahs, all their games would be played in Europe.
The Cheetahs were invited to the Challenge Cup tournament despite not playing in the United Rugby Championship.
Similar to the Champions Cup, EPCR added that this position could be reviewed if the Cheetahs are drawn against the Lions in the semifinal of the Challenge Cup.
Source: The42.ie
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