Overview
- EPCR announced in late June a confirmed set of changes to the Investec Champions Cup for 2026–27 and scheduled the pool draw to take place in Dublin.
- Automatic qualification is cut from four to three teams per pool, with the remaining four last‑16 places awarded to the best-performing teams across all pools to make every pool match more consequential.
- The traditional four-try bonus point is removed and replaced by an attacking bonus given only to teams that score at least three more tries than their opponents.
- Tie-break rules now place the number of matches won ahead of points difference when teams finish level on competition points, and the competition calendar shifts to an October start with the finals in Lyon in May.
- Organisers confirmed the 24-team format stays in place until at least 2030, South African URC clubs remain committed, and the Challenge Cup will stay at 18 teams with the Toyota Cheetahs and Black Lion invited back.