Heineken/Challenge Cup Format 23/24

[BR]

The classic 4 team group with 8 quarter finalists was simple and by far the best

If it ain't broke dot dot dot dot....

If I was going to try to be fair to the swiss, I would say:

The 2 pool format was a reaction to Covid.
They accepted its shortcomings and changed it.
Their hands were tied by this being RWC year.

I expect an improvement in 24/25. Not convinced they will return to the 6 pools of 4, because they really like the extra knock-out stage (and without the nostalgia - very few of us liked the 'best runners-up' qualification system, anyway). But I think they'll need to go back to H&A at the very least. It's not like the English don't have a few free weekends these days.

[So It Is]

The best runners up made it very fun as a neutral given the complexity on the final weekend. As Ulster were rarely involved in the conversation at the time, I quite enjoyed it.

[solidarity]

Anything is better than this duff format.
6 x 4 pools is grand, I suppose, unless they might try 4 x 4 with 2 going through from each group, but presumably that would bring a big drop in income. Or 8 x 4 with only the winner going through? Why not 32 teams?

[So It Is]

Anything is better than this duff format.
6 x 4 pools is grand, I suppose, unless they might try 4 x 4 with 2 going through from each group, but presumably that would bring a big drop in income. Or 8 x 4 with only the winner going through? Why not 32 teams?

Not enough interest. You'd only end up bringing in more duffer Welsh sides that have no supporters, or gash English teams, or more French sides like Castres who'd play their U18s team in the competition to rest their big guns for the T14.

[BR]

Anything is better than this duff format.
6 x 4 pools is grand, I suppose, unless they might try 4 x 4 with 2 going through from each group, but presumably that would bring a big drop in income. Or 8 x 4 with only the winner going through? Why not 32 teams?

You thinking, all the T14, all the URC and all the GP?

Is that enough, now?

[solidarity]

Anything is better than this duff format.
6 x 4 pools is grand, I suppose, unless they might try 4 x 4 with 2 going through from each group, but presumably that would bring a big drop in income. Or 8 x 4 with only the winner going through? Why not 32 teams?

You thinking, all the T14, all the URC and all the GP?

Is that enough, now?

The more, the merrier. Why not have almost everyone in? Giant killing is part of the joy of a cup competition.

[Bobbievee]

Now there's a thought!
And just give up on the joke of the URC league whose only purpose is to produce 8 teams for the Heineken. Too much evidence that teams ( either missing all their nternationals or "squad rotation" treat it as an inconvenience.

[kingofthehill]

Big news and great news.

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[jean valjean]

Big news and great news.

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Toulouse and racing at home?

[StandUp]

Big news and great news.

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Saracens caught breaking the salary cap again?

[Neill_M]

Fixtures out tomorrow morning at 9am.

[justinr73]

Fixtures out tomorrow morning at 9am.

Bloody hell - I’m still booking stuff for the URC!

[Neill_M]

Bel Tel have leaked the fixtures.

Sat Dec 9 Bath Away 3:15pm
Sat Dec 16 R92 Home 8pm
Sat Jan 13 Toulouse Home 8pm
Sat Jan 20 Harlequins Away 1pm

[kingofthehill]

Bel Tel have leaked the fixtures.

Sat Dec 9 Bath Away 3:15pm
Sat Dec 16 R92 Home 8pm
Sat Jan 13 Toulouse Home 8pm
Sat Jan 20 Harlequins Away 1pm

Brilliant for ulster.

Home to the French teams gives us a huge opportunity and brings in more fans.


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[Dave]

Put the covers on the pitch now.