Rugby officials are resetting their plans for the much-anticipated Club World Cup, now aiming for a launch in June 2029. Initial strategies to kick off the 16-team tournament in June 2028 have been paused due to scheduling conflicts and high travel expenses. This decision came after a crucial meeting by the EPCR, which is looking to find a suitable window before the British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand later that year.
Despite these hurdles, the resolve to stage this global event remains strong. "Organisers are dedicated to ensuring the final is held before the Lions head to New Zealand, if they can pin down the right dates," a source close to the developments mentioned.
If introducing all 16 teams proves too challenging, there's a plan B. An insider revealed that a condensed version might just feature the season's top teams from the Vodacom URC, Super Rugby, Premiership, and Top 14.
"Launching this event even in a scaled format would be a significant step forward for club rugby worldwide," stated Dom McKay, the EPCR chairman.
McKay had earlier confirmed the goal was to get the event off the ground by 2028, followed by another edition in 2032. He also assured that this would not affect the Investec Champions Cup, which will continue as planned.
The envisioned tournament format would bring together Champions Cup quarter-finalists, seven teams from Super Rugby, and one from Japan Rugby League One. These teams would compete in four pools of four, ultimately leading to semi-finals and a grand finale.
In preparation for this new global fixture, domestic leagues like the Premiership and URC have agreed to advance their finals. This adjustment is crucial for integrating the Club World Cup into the existing rugby calendar effectively.
This development is a clear indicator of the growing ambition within the sport to create a truly global rugby competition that bridges different leagues and continents. As plans solidify, the rugby world watches keenly, anticipating the birth of a new chapter in the sport's history.
