EPCR - A fond farewell

My Chairmanship of EPCR has naturally come to an end after nearly six and a half years and I admit to a degree of sadness but also excitement. As I depart the scene of the best Club Championship in the world, I know that it will become even better over the next number of years.

EPCR has signed?a new eight year agreement, a triumph of negotiation and shared objectives between the leagues and Unions of Europe. This will guarantee the long term future of both the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. At the same time this allows a clarity of calendar for both International and Club rugby. The players will also be delighted. For them and for all rugby fans, The European tournaments have become a vital piece of their season's ambitions.

I wish to congratulate all the EPCR stakeholders for their steadfast commitment to achieve lasting change in the business of EPCR and to lay out a platform for the continued success of our tournaments. This was against the background of a Pandemic which has threatened the very future of our game. From this new agreement we are now working on the participation of the South African provinces and building towards a Club World Cup every four years which would replace the latter stages of the Heineken Champions Cup. Together with our improved formats, reduced pool matches and more knock out rugby, ECPR is in a great position to grow. Our newly formed Board is superbly well equipped and structured to deliver on this growth and I wish them every success.

I pay tribute to the EPCR team for their exceptional efforts in producing a string of outstanding competitions and especially our Finals which have gone from strength to strength over the last six years, despite the inevitable restrictions. Also to acknowledge their commitment throughout the times of Covid and their professionalism to keep our tournaments running. They do much of the hidden work and now with the combined resources of our three leagues, the outlook is incredibly exciting.

In summary, I cannot think of a better time to be involved in European Professional Club Rugby. I thank all our business and commercial partners for their tremendous support and I know that the best is yet to come!

Lastly, I thank with all my heart the clubs, provinces and Unions who have made me so welcome at their grounds and venues over the last six and a half years. It has been a special time and I have made many valued friends. For me rugby has always been a great passion and I am sure that I will not be far from rugby grounds in the coming years and hope to see many of you in the future.

To all at ECPR, I say good luck, bonne chance and buona fortuna. It has been a real privilege. To the rugby world at large, be excited at the way European Club Rugby is developing and please show your support because there are thrilling times ahead.

H