DHL Stormers vs Ulster Rugby

FINAL FOUR
DHL STORMERS VS ULSTER
WELCOME
SOUTH AFRICA
Leagues welcome inclusion of South African clubs in EPCR tournaments
ollowing confirmation
of the inclusion of
clubs from South
Africa in the Heineken
Champions Cup and
EPCR Challenge Cup for the
2022/23 season and beyond,
Europe’s three main professional
leagues have expressed their
approval of the historic expansion
of EPCR’s tournaments.
The Cape Town-based Stormers,
the Bulls from Pretoria and
the Durban-based Sharks will
compete in next season’s Heineken
Champions Cup, while the Lions
from Johannesburg will fly the
flag for South Africa in the EPCR
Challenge Cup.
In addition to the four
qualifiers from the United Rugby
Championship, the Bloemfontein-
40
F
based Cheetahs have been invited
to participate in the 2022/23 EPCR
Challenge Cup.
Commenting on the major
development for the club game
in both the northern and southern
hemispheres, United Rugby
Championship Chief Executive and
EPCR Board member, Martin Anayi,
said: “The entry of the South African
“It is
mouthwatering
to see the
Stormers, Bulls
and Sharks all
involved in our
Play-Offs
clubs to the URC has revitalised our
league, created new rivalries and
driven up the levels of competition.
“It is mouthwatering to see
the Stormers, Bulls and Sharks
all involved in our Play-Offs and
their presence is making a major
impact on broadcast audiences
and fan engagement. Adding
the opportunity for these clubs,
as well as for the Cheetahs, to
compete in EPCR’s competitions
will only strengthen what are two
of the world’s elite club rugby
competitions.”
Premiership Rugby Chief
Executive and EPCR Board
member, Simon Massie-Taylor,
added: “It is very exciting to have
these five South African clubs
joining EPCR’s tournaments. Their
inclusion will take the competitions
to a new level of intensity for the