Clubs allowed to play new signing in European competitions

The organisers of European Champions and Challenge Cups have confirmed that the clubs will be allowed to play the new signings when the play-offs resume next month.

Previously a player is allowed to represent a single club in a season but with the pandemic coronavirus disrupting the 2019/20 campaign, EPCR has announced an exception that will allow the players, who have shifted to new clubs during the break when their contract expired.

This means Exeter will be allowed to play Scotland international Jonny Gray in their quarter-final game while Nick Isiekwe, who featured for Saracens will be able to represent Northampton Saints which he joined on a season-long loan stint.

Also the organisers have announced removal of limits in the number of non-European players in the matchday 23 squad during the knock-out stages of the 2019/20 campaign with the quarter-finals scheduled on 19th and 20th September.

"A player who has already been selected in a match-day squad during the pool stage of this season's Heineken Champions Cup or Challenge Cup will be eligible to play for his new club in the same competition during the knockout stage, provided his registration is approved by EPCR and the relevant union."