Overview
- EPCR finalised the reforms and held the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup pool draws in Dublin on Wednesday, setting groups for a season that begins the weekend of 16–18 October 2026 and finishes with finals in Lyon on 21–22 May 2027.
- Qualification is changed so only the top three teams in each pool automatically advance to the last 16 while four wildcard berths will go to the highest‑scoring teams across all pools.
- The attacking bonus point for scoring tries has been replaced: teams now earn it only if they score at least three more tries than their opponents while the losing bonus for a defeat within seven points remains unchanged.
- Tie‑break rules now put number of matches won ahead of points difference when teams are level on competition points, a move EPCR says will reward winning and reduce low‑intensity late scoring.
- The 24‑team structure is contractually secured through 2030, South African franchises are confirmed participants, and the EPCR Challenge Cup will include invitees Black Lion and the Toyota Cheetahs as organisers manage travel and scheduling complexities.