European Rugby Chiefs Defend Format While Planning Calendar Modifications

European rugby leadership is working toward shifting the tournament’s start to October following the current December commencement. The potential change addresses feedback from coaching staff and club management who prefer launching campaigns ahead of November international obligations.
Though contractual frameworks technically preserve the existing structure until 2030, growing consensus indicates calendar revisions may prove beneficial. Commencing earlier would allow clubs to field complete lineups before autumn international duty depletes rosters, potentially generating stronger fan engagement during opening weeks.
Tournament administrators have defended the 24-participant, four-group format despite persistent criticism. They cite remarkable development indicators, including television viewership doubling across six years and venue attendance climbing by 50 percent to approximately 1.5 million during that period.
Chief executive Jacques Raynaud confronted operational controversies including team rotation for difficult away matches, logistical challenges with South African involvement, and advancement scenarios allowing teams with minimal victories to reach knockout phases. However, he argues the format maintains competitive tension while generating robust revenue from broadcasters, corporate partners, and municipalities.
Strategic planning encompasses whether to schedule consecutive October weekends or adopt distributed approaches with single rounds in October and December. Raynaud emphasized consistency to prevent supporter confusion during World Cup cycles. Proposed improvements include expanding windows between playoff rounds to facilitate ticket sales and fan travel arrangements.