South Africa is yet to host a match in Europe’s premier club rugby competition, but northern-hemisphere bosses believe the country is the “appropriate place” to stage a Champions Cup final.
In an article on Netwerk24, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) chairman Dominic McKay says the likes of Cape Town would be an ideal city to host the showpiece.
The DHL Stormers, Vodacom Bulls and Cell C Sharks will cross swords with the best clubs from England and France in the 2022-23 European Champions Cup, after already successfully integrating with teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
“Cape Town or [somewhere else] in South Africa at some stage would be an appropriate place [for a final],” McKay, who is currently meeting with SA Rugby chiefs in SA, told Netwerk24.
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“We’ve always tried to take our rugby story to appropriate, new markets, as well as present it in established new markets.
“We have had finals in Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Paris, and Marseille, but also in Spain because we consider it important to grow the game. We now have to continue working on the integration of South Africa’s teams in the series, but I’m sure it’ll become a topic of discussion.
“Among the reasons for our visit is to forge a greater relationship with Saru and to talk to some of the franchises here before South Africa’s entry. We are incredibly excited that South Africa’s teams are joining our family.”
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