European Champions Cup

epa07966458 Joe Marler of England (L) reacts with team mates after the Rugby World Cup final match between England and South Africa at the International Stadium Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama, Japan, 02 November 2019. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON EDITORIAL USE ONLY/ NO COMMERCIAL SALES / NOT USED IN ASSOCATION WITH ANY COMMERCIAL ENTITY

Marler bemused by SA trip

With South African teams set to debut in the Champions and Challenge cups this week, England prop Joe Marler has raised an eyebrow at playing a European competition in the Republic.

Watch: Euro ain’t seen the best of SA

Lionel Mapoe dazzles in this compilation of big plays in the Vodacom URC, and Europe’s top clubs can expect more of the same when South African teams debut in the Champions and Challenge cups.

Sharks lose skipper to ban

Thomas du Toit will sit out the Sharks’ European Champions Cup debut after being handed a six-week ban, reduced to three, for his red card in the Boks’ win over England.

Watch: Willemse picks his best backs

Springbok and DHL Stormers utility back Damian Willemse reveals who he holds to be among the best flyhalf and fullback talents in the modern game.

South Africa to host Champions Cup final?

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.

Evan Roos and Deon Fourie in action for Stormers

France star blasts Euro chiefs for SA inclusion

France scrumhalf Morgan Parra says South African clubs should not have been allowed to take part in the European Champions and Challenge Cups next season.

The Stormers celebrate their URC title win

Au revoir Stormers, ‘lekker bly’ for Bulls, Sharks

The Stormers begin life in the European Champions Cup with a trip to France, while the Vodacom Bulls and Sharks kick off their campaign on home soil.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Andy Goode of the Sharks looks on during the round four Super 14 match between the Waratahs and the Blues at Sydney Football Stadium on March 6, 2010 in Sydney, Australia.

Ex-England flyhalf: SA teams deserve to play in Europe

South African sides have earned the right to mix it with the best in Europe in the Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, according to former England and Sharks flyhalf Andy Goode.

Stormers celebrate winning the Vodacom United Rugby Championship during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 Grand Final between Stormers and Bulls held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa on 18 June 2022 ©Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

Cup draw sends Europe’s best to South Africa

European giants will travel to South Africa to battle the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Cheetahs after the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup draws were completed on Tuesday.

United Rugby Championship, Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, Wales 21/5/2022 Scarlets vs DHL Stormers DHL

SA hailed for rugby’s global expansion

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) chairman Dominic McKay has attributed the ongoing success of South African teams to a vested interest from the country’s stakeholders to grow the game internationally.