United Rugby Championship announce change for Champions Cup qualification

The organisers of the United Rugby Championship have confirmed changes in the qualification for the European competitions.

According to the change, top eight teams in the table for the 2023/24 season will qualify for the next season's Champions Cup.

Previously, the winners of the regional Shields in Ireland, South Africa, Wales and Scottish-Italy occupied the first four positions in the Champions Cup qualification with the remaining four to be decided by next four highest-placed teams in the main table.

However, now the regional Shield system will no longer be used in the Champions Cup qualification and all eight positions will be based on the main table.

“The first two seasons of BKT URC set records for audiences and attendances thanks to the appeal and jeopardy of the league. Returning to straight meritocracy as a qualification method for the Champions Cup will further turn up the dial on the competitiveness of our league," said CEO of United Rugby Championship Martin Anayi.

“The debate between representation and meritocracy in our league has always been a complex discussion among our stakeholders. However, when it comes to creating the most competitive arena for our teams, meritocracy is a proven method for achieving this.

“In 2017 we brought in full meritocracy over representation in the PRO12 and this lifted the level of competition throughout the league. When launching BKT URC against the backdrop of the pandemic it was prudent to choose the representative qualification route and now after the review our stakeholders have opted to return to meritocracy.”