Challenge Cup 22/23

[Chunky24]

Format here:

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/epcr-confirm-next-seasons-format-as-south-african-sides-set-for-debut/

[MarleyWasp]

So we'll be in Tier 1, with matches against two of the Tier 3 sides, apart from any side from our own domestic league, meaning no trip to Bath, so Dragons, Zebre, Bayonne, Perpignan or the Cheetahs.

Its not clear to me what happens if we end up with Zebre, Perpignan and the Cheetahs in our pool, as none of them are Premiership sides. For practicality sake they may be classed as a Premiership side which would mean we cannot draw them, but it's not clear.

[Peej]

This isn't on tv until the knockouts, is it?

[Heathen]

So in the HC ith will be 6 groups of 4 sides and 5 groups of 4 sides in the ECC. We will not play the other Tier 1 side in our group, so it will be 2 from Dragons, Zebre Parma, Aviron Bayonnais, USAP, and the Cheetahs  H&A. Zebre and Bayonne will do nicely.

[Neils]

I note that Cheetahs seem to be the sixth PRL team so possibly we miss them.

[DGP Wasp]

I've tried the official site to see if it was any clearer, but no.

https://www.epcrugby.com/2022/06/13/2022-23-epcr-tournament-formats-and-qualifiers-confirmed/

I get that we will play 2 of the 5 non-English tier 3 teams, and am assuming or hoping at least (I can't find specific mention of it), that those 2 will be one from each of the other leagues?

The European formats as they stand are horrible.  Confusing, far too heavily weighted in favour of the top teams, and as a result, the competition is of little interest until the knockout stages.  Needs sorting.

[InBetweenWasp]

So in the HC ith will be 6 groups of 4 sides and 5 groups of 4 sides in the ECC. We will not play the other Tier 1 side in our group, so it will be 2 from Dragons, Zebre Parma, Aviron Bayonnais, USAP, and the Cheetahs  H&A. Zebre and Bayonne will do nicely.

I'd go back to Bayonne again, but would be delighted with Zebre and Perpignan as two new away days.  Slightly less keen on Newport and Bloemfontein (although more the latter thanks to the cost of getting there and back).

[Chunky24]

Cheetahs playing Currie Cup semi final on Sky now, definitely summer (winter?) rugby!

[Chunky24]

Cheetahs playing Currie Cup semi final on Sky now, definitely summer (winter?) rugby!

Great game!

[MarleyWasp]

The draw starts at midday on Tuesday

[Neils]

The draw starts at midday on Tuesday

Far earlier this year. Thanks.

[DGP Wasp]

Then expect it to take a further 2 months for them to agree a fixture schedule!

[Neils]

Then expect it to take a further 2 months for them to agree a fixture schedule!

Mid to late August is about right.

[Chunky24]

Hadn't noticed this anywhere before, Cheetahs games must played in Europe as an invited side so basing themselves in Italy apparently.

https://twitter.com/DjRossouw87/status/1541520912129921025?t=UKmBWUg-aZKizv6plX8ylA&s=19

[Heathen]

Just as an aside, did anyone else notice that La Rochelle are placed in Tier 3 for the HC cup? Apparently rankings are done by where clubs finish in their respective league, even though they are the HC champions.

The top seeds in the HC are Tigers, Sarries, Montpelier, Castres, Stormers, Bulls.