Club rugby still heartbeat of game
EPCR has reiterated that the club game remains central to rugby’s global future after hosting its annual club conference ahead of next week’s return of European competition.
The two-day gathering in London brought together representatives from all 42 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup teams, as well as unions, leagues and World Rugby.
Established last year, the forum is designed to align the sport’s major club stakeholders and tackle shared challenges around sustainability, fan engagement and growth.
EPCR chairman Dominic McKay said the conference again underlined the organisation’s commitment to putting clubs at the centre of key decisions.
“Three years ago, when we outlined our new strategy, we wanted clubs to be at the heart of our decision-making, and the EPCR club conference is an important element of this,” said McKay.
“Bringing together representatives from our 42 clubs, eight unions and three leagues is an opportunity to strengthen relationships and ensure alignment behind a shared vision for the sport’s future.
“To navigate both the challenges and opportunities ahead, we must continue to work closely and constructively together. Collaboration is the foundation on which we will build the next era of club rugby.”
The conference also highlighted another record-breaking EPCR season, including 1.5 million spectators across 2024-25, more than 110,000 fans at finals weekend in Cardiff, a €50-million economic boost for the host city, and surging digital numbers with 91 million YouTube views last season. EPCR also welcomed new partners JAECOO and Groupe Apicil.
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Investec, title partner of the Champions Cup, unpacked the commercial landscape in rugby, while broadcaster Premier Sports shared insights from its first season working with EPCR.
Investec chief marketing officer Abey Mokgwatsane said the brand sees value in being part of a collaborative ecosystem.
“Collaboration is important to maintain world-class credentials,” he said. “Talking to people across the rugby ecosystem enriches what we do as a brand. We’re looking forward to more fan engagement and more stories – because club rugby is where legends are born.”