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Inaugural Club World Cup Set to Launch in 2028

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) board has finalized plans for the inaugural 16-team Club World Cup, which is expected to take place at the end of the 2027-28 season. The tournament, proposed to feature four pools of four teams, will comprise the top eight Champions Cup quarter-finalists, the top seven finishers of Super Rugby Pacific, and one team from the top tier of Japanese Rugby League One. The Club World Cup will replace the knockout stages of the Champions Cup every four years, requiring major leagues to alter their schedules in those seasons.

Key Takeaways:

  • The inaugural Club World Cup will feature 16 teams, including the top eight Champions Cup quarter-finalists and the top seven finishers of Super Rugby Pacific.
  • The tournament will comprise four pools of four teams, leading to a semi-final and a final.
  • The Club World Cup will replace the knockout stages of the Champions Cup every four years, requiring major leagues to alter their schedules in those seasons.
  • The Top 14, the Premiership, the United Rugby Championship (URC), and Super Rugby Pacific will need to adjust their play-offs to create space for the Club World Cup.
  • The first two editions of the Club World Cup, in 2028 and 2032, will be held in Europe, with a "destination venue" such as Barcelona under consideration as host.
  • The introduction of the Club World Cup has been a long time coming, with EPCR board member Bill Sweeney suggesting it could be a "Ryder Cup-style" catalyst for excitement around the sport.

Statistics:

  • 16 teams will compete in the inaugural Club World Cup.
  • 8 Champions Cup quarter-finalists will participate in the tournament.
  • 7 teams from Super Rugby Pacific will compete in the Club World Cup.
  • 1 team from the top tier of Japanese Rugby League One will participate in the tournament.
  • The Top 14, the Premiership, the URC, and Super Rugby Pacific will need to adjust their schedules in the seasons the Club World Cup takes place.

Sources:

  • Telegraph Sport
  • European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR)
  • Rugby Football Union
  • Getty Images
  • PA/Kirsty O'Connor

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