Latest news with #EPCR
The Herald
2 days ago
- General
- The Herald
Moment of truth for three SA teams in URC quarterfinals
The matchup between the Bulls and Edinburgh is expected to be hugely competitive, given the close contest between the sides earlier in the season where the Pretoria outfit emerged 22-16 victors at home in the second round. The Scots turned the tables with a 34-28 win in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarterfinal. With seven straight URC victories to their name and the team having suffered only four defeats this season, the Bulls enter the clash as favourites. However, they will be wary of underestimating Edinburgh, who, added to knocking the Bulls out of the Challenge Cup, have had a fair run of form too, losing only one of their last five matches, with one a draw. In fact, their only defeat among those was against the Sharks in Durban by one point. However, Edinburgh will have to enter the match strong-willed to break their disappointing away record, which shows six defeats in nine outings.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Poirot suspended two weeks for Pollock altercation at Champions Cup final
Bordeaux-Bègles prop Jefferson Poirot has been suspended for two weeks following an altercation with Henry Pollock after Saturday's Investec Champions Cup final. Poirot was alleged to have grabbed the throat of the Northampton No 8 amid an on-pitch fracas in the moments after the final whistle of his side's 28-20 win at the Principality Stadium. The 32-year-old was cited earlier this week and a punishment imposed following a disciplinary hearing on Thursday. A statement from tournament organiser European Professional Club Rugby confirmed that Poirot 'accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card'. It added: 'The independent disciplinary committee upheld the complaint and it determined that the offending was at the low-end of World Rugby's sanctions and four weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point. 'Taking into account the player's guilty plea, his good disciplinary record and his full co-operation with the disciplinary process, the committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50% before imposing a two-week suspension.' Poirot, who has the right to appeal, will be free to play again from 9 June, meaning he will miss the Top 14 club's final two regular-season fixtures.
The South African
2 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Springboks set to gain? Rugby CEO calls out SA's club contingent
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer believes the proposed Club World Cup will 'force SA teams to take the Champions Cup seriously.' South Africa's Sharks, Bulls and Stormers have been widely accused of prioritising the United Rugby Championship (URC) over the Champions Cup, often opting to rest several starters when the latter occurs. Neither of the three, which all ended with five points, qualified for the Champions Cup knockout rounds. Meanwhile, each outfit has made it through to the URC quarter-finals, pipping fifth, third, and second in the standings. The SA Rugby chief is a fan of the Club World Cup, believing it to be an avenue to bridging the competitive gap between northern and southern hemisphere clubs. But a lot of work remains to make it official. 'The financial aspect is something that still needs to be figured out,' the SA Rugby boss revealed. 'At this stage, only projections have been made, but if accurate, the Club World Cup could be financially beneficial.' 'Officially, no structures have been put in place yet, and no broadcasting rights or sponsorships have been sold. So the financial impact will only be determined in the future.' 'The announcement is somewhat premature, with a lot of detail outstanding, and we don't have all the answers yet.' Meanwhile, Champions Cup chairman Dominic McKay, said, 'We've had some great discussions throughout the weekend talking about the future of our sport and particularly some exciting projects that relate to EPCR.' 'This is something we've spoken about at EPCR for the last two or three years – we've been trying to work our way through this project to see if we can deliver it.' 'And over the last few days we've had great meetings with our Board, great meetings with our General Assembly, who represent the three leagues and stakeholders from seven unions, and everyone is unanimous about wanting to deliver a World Club Cup through EPCR.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
REVEALED: What the Springboks and BaaBaas will play for!
SA Rugby has confirmed that the Qatar Airways Cup will be up for grabs when the Springboks take on the Barbarians in an historic clash on Saturday, 28 June at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. It will be the third edition of the Qatar Airways Cup, an event that has quickly become an exciting staple on the global rugby calendar. The Springboks won both previous encounters for the trophy, against New Zealand in 2023 and Wales last year, both in London. The match, hosted in collaboration with Pitch International, forms part of the airline's growing footprint in global rugby, complementing Qatar Airways' sponsorships of the United Rugby Championship and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) competitions, as well as the forthcoming Qatar Airways Lions Tour to Australia, later in 2025. Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: 'We are delighted to collaborate with Pitch International to bring this landmark fixture to South Africa, and to Qatar Airways for their support. 'Pitch International's global expertise in event delivery and promotion makes them the perfect partner to help showcase the Springboks and Barbarians to a worldwide audience. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter in our efforts to grow the game and connect with fans across the globe.' The Barbarians are renowned for their flair, creativity and international diversity, and will be coached by the highly experienced and respected Robbie Deans. The squad will feature stars from the Vodacom URC, French Top 14, English Premiership, Super Rugby, and the Japanese League. The Qatar Airways Cup clash will mark the ninth meeting between the Springboks and the famous black-and-white-clad Barbarians, and their first encounter since an exciting 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in London on 5 November 2016. Tickets for the Qatar Airways Cup are selling fast and a capacity crowd is expected. Don't miss out – secure your tickets online today from Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Sam Underhill handed four-match ban for dangerous tackle in Challenge Cup final
Underhill was cited for a dangerous tackle on Lyon full-back Davit Niniashvili during Bath's EPCR Challenge Cup final victory in Cardiff. The Bath forward received a yellow card from Scottish referee Hollie Davidson, but a complaint was then lodged by match citing commisssioner Philippe Lenne. This is a straight red for me. Sam Underhill can count himself lucky. — Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) May 23, 2025 An independent disciplinary committee imposed the period of suspension, with European Professional Club Rugby stating his return to play date will be determined once his future playing schedule is confirmed. Bath's next fixture is a final game of the regular Premiership season against Saracens on Saturday. That is followed by a play-off on June 6, then the Premiership final eight days later if Bath get there. In terms of Underhill's potential England schedule, there is a non-cap match against France on June 21, with the first Test against Argentina two weeks after that. EPCR said: 'Underhill accepted that he had committed an act of foul play, but did not accept that it warranted a red card. 'The independent disciplinary committee upheld the complaint, finding that Underhill had tackled Davit Niniashvili in a dangerous manner that warranted a red card, and it determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby's sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point. 'The committee gave the player credit for his remorse and timely acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play. 'But because of his prior disciplinary record, the committee were only able to discount the entry point sanction by two weeks. They therefore imposed a four-week suspension.' Underhill received a three-week ban in April after being sent off for a high tackle against Challenge Cup opponents Pau. He is an integral part of the Bath armoury under head of rugby Johann van Graan, and his ban is a major blow for the club. Premiership title success would see them complete an historic trophy treble this season, having already won the Challenge Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup.
