Champions Cup

Saffas can thrive away from SA spotlight

Dillyn Leyds and Raymond Rhule were made in South Africa, but given the freedom to flourish in France, writes SIMON BORCHARDT.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 01: Ernst van Rhyn of the DHL Stormers and Marvin Orie of the DHL Stormers getting ready to scrum with Ben-Jason Dixon of the DHL Stormers and Hacjivah Dayimani of the DHL Stormers in the background during the Heineken Champions Cup, round of 16 match between DHL Stormers and Harlequins at DHL Stadium on April 01, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa

EPCR overhauls Champions Cup format

The EPCR has announced an overhaul of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, with a return to a multi-pool format for the 2023-24 season.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 20: Jonathan Sexton reacts after the Heineken Champions Cup Final between Leinster Rugby and Stade Rochelais at Aviva Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland.

Sexton in hot water

Johnny Sexton has been hit with a misconduct letter for his comments towards referee Jaco Peyper in a blow to the Ireland flyhalf’s preparation for the World Cup.

London Irish's Ben Loader runs in to score a try during the Gallagher Premiership match at the Gtech Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday March 25, 2023.

Stormers close in on English star

The Stormers are reportedly in “advanced negotiations” to sign a rising star of English rugby in a significant boost to the team’s outside backs.

Watch: Leyds gives winner’s medal to crying kid

Dillyn Leyds has explained why he gave his Champions Cup winner’s medal away upon arriving back in La Rochelle.

Sexton to Peyper: ‘You’re a f-ing disgrace!’

Johnny Sexton reportedly insulted South African referee Jaco Peyper and his match officials after Leinster were beaten by La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final.

Boks among Europe’s best

Nine different teams and a few South Africans feature in a Champions Cup Team of the Tournament based on statistics from the Opta Index.

Watch: Bok strips for fans

Two-time Champions Cup winner Raymond Rhule whips off his shorts and gives it to a supporter post match before heading down the Aviva Stadium tunnel in his underwear.

Watch: No party like a La Roch party

For the second year in a row, La Rochelle were welcomed home by thousands of fans to celebrate their Champions Cup triumph into the early hours of the morning.

Probe into Euro cup ‘bust-up’

An alleged off-the-field Champions Cup final clash involving players and coaches from La Rochelle and Leinster has triggered an immediate investigation by EPCR officials.