Champions Cup – Full stadiums, record scores, more than a million spectators but a formula that raises questions

On the field, the spectacle was there: 613 tries scored in 84 matches, an average of more than seven tries per match, testifying to a resolutely offensive Rugby. The entry into force of the new rules particularly favored ambitious, dynamic attacks.

In the stands, more than a million people in total and audience peaks exceeding 2.7 million viewers in France, for the group stages of the Champions and Challenge Cup. The atmosphere of sold-out stadiums, such as at Chaban-Delmas for Union Bordeaux-Bègles or at the Aviva Stadium for Leinster-Bath, confirmed a certain attractiveness of the competition.

The craze was not limited to the stadiums. EPCR’s digital platforms saw a 70% increase in web traffic. France Télévisions recorded audience peaks of more than 2 million viewers during each of the four weekends, notably 2.4 million for the Stade Toulousain – Ulster Rugby poster (Day 1), 2 million for the RC duel Toulon – Glasgow Warriors (Day 2), 2.7 million for the Hollywoodbets Sharks – Stade Toulousain match (Day 3) and finally 2.7 million for the match ASM Clermont Auvergne – Bristol Bears (Day 4).

Many families were in the stands or in front of their televisions to watch “show matches”, a lever to attract new licensees and open rugby to new circles?

However, behind these flattering figures, certain elements raise questions

The Stade Toulousain, the UBB and even the CO, authors last weekend of real demonstrations against their English opponents, delighted the French supporters. However, these performances also revealed the current limits of the competition. With one-way scores becoming commonplace, including 23 out of 48 matches displaying differences of more than 20 points, the group stage sometimes struggled to maintain suspense. “I was surprised to see so much difference in certain matches“, admitted Antoine Dupont at a press conference last Sunday.

This imbalance highlights several structural problems. The crisis in English and Welsh rugby, combined with the apparent disengagement of the South African provinces, has led to a competition where only a few clubs largely dominate. Added to this are the perilous journeys on South African soil. A trend that raises questions about the credibility of this historic competition.

Despite these criticisms, the EPCR underlines the importance of these group stages to offer a platform of expression to clubs from nine nations. The organizer justifies himself: “The previous format was often criticized because higher-ranked clubs found themselves in easier pools, making their path to the finals easier. The current random draw makes the competition more unpredictable and fair.”

As the Champions Cup celebrates its 30th edition, the EPCR must find solutions to balance spectacle and competitiveness. An attractive formula, focused on offensive play, attracts spectators and surely expands its audience. Of course, there are criticisms, but the EPCR welcomes the audience records which give new impetus to modern rugby in full evolution. It remains to be seen whether this dynamic can last without adjustments. Does the perfect formula really exist?