South African clubs could withdraw from the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup

Professional teams in South Africa have participated in the southern hemisphere’s domestic competition, Super Rugby, since its inception in 1996.

However, Saru officials had long favored a move north to Europe, given the similar time zone, and four South African teams – Stormers, Bulls, Sharks and Lions – joined the URC in 2020.

Professional European Club Rugby then welcomed South African teams in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup from 2022 onwards.

The South African teams made an immediate mark in the URC, with the Stormers winning the title in their first full season, while the Bulls have reached three out of four finals and are now locked in the league as regular contributors.

“There is no doubt about the significant positive impact that South African Rugby has had on our league, and confirming their addition as shareholders has always been part of the roadmap,” URC CEO Martin Anayi said in 2025.

But while the move to URC is considered a success by administrators, South Africa’s participation in the Champions Cup has been plagued with difficulties on and off the field.

While the Sharks won the Challenge Cup in 2024, no South African team has qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup, while there have been ongoing challenges with logistics and travel.

Meanwhile, despite playing club rugby north of the equator, the Springboks continued to play in the Rugby Championship, a competition in the southern hemisphere that included South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.

A few Springboks players face a light workload because they play club rugby in Japan, but those who play for a team in the URC, Prem or Top 14 face the prospect of a 12-month season.

Saru’s review comes as rugby bosses also consider a major revamp of the Champions Cup, with one option to reduce the tournament to around 16 teams and play it in a single block at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the long-term formation of the URC is also up in the air, as the Welsh Rugby Union looks to reduce the number of professional teams from four to three.

It is understood that the EPCR shareholder deal is locked in until 2030, although this could theoretically change if shareholders agree.

Saro’s statement continued: “In the event that consensus is reached on a potential review of the calendar, any contractual or constitutional requirements to influence such a review will be taken into account.”

If South Africa withdraws from the URC or Champions Cup, it may try to strengthen its domestic competition, the Currie Cup, a historic competition dating back to 1891.