Talk about players playing to much games, I really like the NFL format, not so much the conference structure or how they manage it, but they have a very good window for the game. 5 Months, each team gets 2 Pre-Seaon warm up games, that's it. They then go into all play, however, Play-offs comes from them and for Americans it Makes sense.
I almost wonder if we need this and should just be a league final round all games played at the same time like in Football, or if there must be a final knockout, then just host the Semi Final and Final in one place to cut out travelling.
Then for the European cup, 16 teams like the World Cup run over 6 weeks. 4 teams per pool, 3 games, Quarters, Semis and Finals. At a push they can make it 20 teams to give 4 games per pool. This can all be done at once.
4 weeks Pool Games
1 Week Quarter
1 Week Semi
1 Week Final
They seem to move the final to specific locations like Bibao this year and no home team host it.
That is 7 Weeks of the comp running in less than two months.
Would be nice watching the league finish in June or May, then start it around September and be done Mid October, two week break, switch to internationals and the league can start at the same time. And then just run all the way through until done, then have tournament rugby like the 6 nations and tours.
There is a better way, but Europe keeps messing up the calendar.
3,672 posts
Who is getting into the final round of the URC, I for one are struggling to follow this bloody comp. All eyes seems to be on the European final but it is so protracted and no clarity on fixtures or a proper build up or excitement.
We have two compititions competing for premium weekends in May and June.
There is one round left of the URC, but then it takes a two week break
16 May Round 18 and Final
>> 24 MayEuropean Champ Final
30 May - Quarter Finals
6 June - Semi Finals
>> 13 June Break
20 June - Final
4 Weeks are wasted between games, talking about trying to wrap up the season.
Given the European championship is on 24 May, It means there are two weeks just wasted and a lot of back and forth travelling.
They need to drop the quarterfinals in the URC, I just don't get it.
Then the European Champ cup is a waste of time, last 16 and funny rounds etc.
I almost think they should start the season with the European Championship, then swing into International rugby and then have a dedicated season on the league.
However, rugby fatal flaw in Europe is that they are trying to compete head on with Football