South African Rugby Teams Struggle in Champions Cup, Call for Scheduling Changes

Coaches and players highlight logistical challenges and player fatigue after heavy defeats in Europe, urging tournament organizers to address scheduling concerns.

• South African teams suffered heavy losses in the Champions Cup, with the Stormers losing 53-16 to Harlequins and the Sharks falling 56-17 to Leicester Tigers, both fielding understrength squads.
• Coaches John Dobson of the Stormers and John Plumtree of the Sharks criticized the demanding travel schedules and player workloads, citing the need to better manage their squads' Springboks players.
• Dobson emphasized the importance of South African participation in the Champions Cup for the development of their rugby, warning that exclusion would harm the sport in the country.
• Suggestions for improvement include restructuring fixtures to allow for multi-game tours, enabling teams to bring stronger squads and maintain competitiveness.
• Critics argue that South African teams must improve performances to justify their inclusion, while others call for tournament organizers to address logistical challenges to ensure fair competition.

3 Articles

The Telegraph The Times i