Plumtree: We must sort out the logistics
The Rugby Paper|June 02, 2024
SHARKS head coach John Plumtree believes the Champions Cup is the greatest club competition out there but has called for increased alignment for South African teams competing in Europe, saying the mass amounts of travel is holding it back.
BEN JAYCOCK
Plumtree: We must sort out the logistics

Plumtree's Sharks became the first South African club to lift an EPCR title when they beat Gloucester 36-22 in the Challenge Cup final which enabled the Durban franchise to qualify for next year's Champions Cup.

The New Zealander coached the Hurricanes in 2019 and was All Blacks assistant from 2020-22 but believes European competition is now superior to Super Rugby.

However, South African sides like the Bulls in April for their heavy 59-22 Champions Cup quarter-final loss to Northampton have been under fire for sending second-string teams to important matches.

But, with an 11-hour flight each way, Plumtree, below, says the scheduling needs to be looked at so teams like his don't need to keep going back and forth.

This story is from the June 02, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 02, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE RUGBY PAPERView All
A humble hero who had a big heart ...
The Rugby Paper

A humble hero who had a big heart ...

A DARK cloud of sorrow has been hovering above St Thomas’ Church at the east end of Swansea this Christmas over the loss of one of its most beloved disciples, Geoff Wheel.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Firefighter Konkel turning the heat up for Harlequins
The Rugby Paper

Firefighter Konkel turning the heat up for Harlequins

FIREFIGHTER Jade Konkel has ignited a Harlequins title charge following a run of miserable successive seasons for the 2020/21 winners.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Quins finish year at the top of the pile
The Rugby Paper

Quins finish year at the top of the pile

HARLEQUINS went top of the Premiership Women’s Rugby with victory in Big Game 16 at the Allianz Stadium.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
Pirates are on course to make it five in a row
The Rugby Paper

Pirates are on course to make it five in a row

CORNISH Pirates are riding a wave of momentum looking for their fifth consecutive Championship win when they visit strugglers Ampthill today.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Nottingham take their chances to silence Cov
The Rugby Paper

Nottingham take their chances to silence Cov

A THRILLING display of high-tempo attacking rugby in which wingers Ryan Olowofela and David Williams played prominent roles earned Nottingham a bonus-point success over Midlands rivals Coventry.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Itoje: Life's taken turn for the better under Borthwick
The Rugby Paper

Itoje: Life's taken turn for the better under Borthwick

ENGLAND and Saracens lock Maro Itoje has claimed that the ‘atmosphere and experience’ of playing for the national team has improved under Steve Borthwick compared to life under former head coach Eddie Jones, adding that some of the practices Jones employed to get the best out of his players were ‘unnecessary’.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Varndell: Lam has put flair into Bears
The Rugby Paper

Varndell: Lam has put flair into Bears

WHEN it comes to scoring tries in Premiership Rugby, few players have struck fear into opposition defences quite like Tom Varndell.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Let's hope Brizball can stay in fashion
The Rugby Paper

Let's hope Brizball can stay in fashion

THIS is not obviously the time to be talking balls – the Twickenham elite have cornered that particular market – but the question demands to be asked: is Brizball the union game’s version of Bazball?

time-read
3 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Roots looking to find his old form
The Rugby Paper

Roots looking to find his old form

ETHAN Roots started 2024 with a bang, man of the match in Italy on his England debut, but his year ended with more of a splutter.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Dragons still can't get better of Cardiff
The Rugby Paper

Dragons still can't get better of Cardiff

DRAGONS’ nightmare run against their fiercest rivals continued as they fell to their 19th consecutive defeat, having not beaten them since Boxing Day 2014.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024