In the years since then the European Cup has been being reorganised and reshaped so that it’s now divided into two massive groups before you get a knock-out round of 16, which is being played this weekend.
However, the reorganisation has its critics, and there is talk of going back to the old structure of five/ six pools of four teams leading to quarter-final qualification. Apparently, everyone will be consulted, and asked what they want – which sounds like an impossible agenda, so good luck with that!
The other big recent change is the addition of the South Africans to the tournament for the first time, and they will give the French and the Irish teams a run for their money.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to see any of the English clubs competing with the best of those teams, with perhaps the exception of Saracens, who won three European titles in 2016, 2017, and 2019 with an international strength side.
The Premiership has become one of a number of unknowns in the decline in English rugby. As well as the national team not playing well, the clubs are struggling to make an impact in Europe. On top of that, there is news that another Premiership club, London Irish, is facing financial uncertainty.
It is a rocky boat that needs steadying but, because the English club game is in such a poor state overall, I just don’t see any of them winning the European Cup.
Players are wondering about whether they will have a job next season, and this has been accompanied by an exodus of leading players to Europe, with Exeter by far the hardest hit. Luke Cowan-Dickie and Sam Simmonds are both joining Montpellier this summer, and they get an early introduction to their new team-mates when the Chiefs face the French champions at Sandy Park today.
この記事は The Rugby Paper の April 02, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Rugby Paper の April 02, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
