Bristol Bears to replace London Irish in next season's Heineken Champions Cup

The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) organisers have confirmed that Bristol Bears will replace London Irish in the next season's Champions Cup.

The decision follows after the Exiles have entered into administration following financial difficulties and were suspended from all the competitions by the Rugby Football Union.

As the Exiles finished fifth in the last year's Gallagher Premiership and the top eight teams are eligible to qualify for the next season's Champions Cup, Bristol, who had a ninth place finish has managed to replace London Irish.

"Following the RFU's decision to suspend London Irish from all competitions, EPCR can clarify that regrettably the club will not compete in the 2023/24 Champions Cup," a statement from EPCR read.

"As Bristol Bears are the highest-ranked club in the Gallagher Premiership league table at the conclusion of the regular season which did not qualify for the 2023/24 Champions Cup, they will now replace London Irish in next season's tournament.

"The formats for the 2023/24 Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup will be announced shortly, as will details of the pool draws for both tournaments."