South African clubs may withdraw from the European Champions and Challenge Cup

South African professional teams have been involved in the Southern Hemisphere’s domestic competition, Super Rugby, since its inception in 1996.

However, Saru administrators have long favored moving north to Europe due to the same time zone and four South African sides – the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks and Lions – joining the URC in 2020.

European professional club rugby then welcomes South African teams to the Champions and Challenge Cups from 2022.

South African teams have made an immediate mark in the URC, with the Stormers winning the title in their first full season and the Bulls making three of the last four finals and now locked in the league as permanent shareholders.

“There is no doubt the huge positive impact that South African rugby has had on our league, and confirming their addition as a shareholder has always been part of the roadmap,” URC chief executive Martin Anayi said in 2025.

But, while the move to the URC is considered a success by administrators, South Africa’s participation in the Champions Cup has been plagued by difficulties on and off the pitch.

Although the Sharks won the Challenge Cup in 2024, no South African team advanced past the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup, while logistics and travel were a constant challenge.

Meanwhile, despite playing club rugby north of the equator, the Springboks continued to play in the Rugby Championship, a southern hemisphere competition featuring South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.

A handful of Springboks players manage a lighter workload due to playing club rugby in Japan, but those who play for clubs in the URC, Premiership or Top 14 face the prospect of a 12-month season.

The narrow review comes as rugby chiefs are also considering major changes to the Champions Cup, including an option to reduce the tournament to around 16 teams and play it in a block at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the URC’s long-term make-up with the Welsh Rugby Union is also up in the air Reduce the number of their pro teams From four to three.

It is understood that the EPCR shareholder agreement is locked in until 2030, although in theory this could change if shareholders remain in agreement.

“Consensus should be reached on possible revisions to the calendar, which contractual or constitutional requirements will be met to effect such revisions,” Saru’s statement continued.

If the South Africans withdraw from the URC or the Champions Cup, they may try to strengthen their own domestic competition, the Currie Cup, a historic competition that dates back to 1891.