Premiership Clubs' Struggle in Champions Cup of Rugby
Former England internationals discuss Premiership clubs' challenges in Champions Cup.
The 'Quality Gap' in Rugby
Former England internationals have pointed out a significant 'gulf in quality' between Premiership clubs and Europe's rugby elite. A dismal weekend in the Champions Cup saw multiple English teams suffer heavy losses and get eliminated.
Ugo Monye, a former England and Harlequins player, stated that the comparatively lower salary caps for English clubs make it 'hard to compete'. He also mentioned that the English league's high competitiveness across the division leads to a lack of depth within squads.
Danny Care, another former England scrum-half, was highly impressed by Leinster, claiming they are 'better than Ireland'.
Monye suggested condensing the Champions Cup format and allowing Premiership teams more financial flexibility to recruit marquee players to bridge the gap.
Northampton Saints are the sole remaining Premiership representative in the quarter-finals this weekend.
Udinese
00:30 Italy, Serie A, Round 34
00:30
Bologna
Barracas Central
02:00 Argentina, Liga Profesional - Apertura, Round 15
02:00
Union Santa Fe
Lazio
02:45 Italy, Serie A, Round 34
02:45
Parma
Hellas Verona
02:45 Italy, Serie A, Round 34
02:45
Cagliari
Godoy Cruz
04:15 Argentina, Liga Profesional - Apertura, Round 15
04:15
Atletico Tucuman
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