Change in how last four clubs are selected for inclusion in the knockouts
Investec Champions Cup Round 4, Thomond Park, Limerick 17/1/2026 Munster vs Castres Olympique Munster's Edwin Edogbo reflects on a 29-31 defeat that consigns Munster to the Challenge CupThe first comes a year too late for Munster, who would have qualified for the Last 16 knockouts last season had it been in place.
The Reds finished fifth in Pool B on eight points which was one more than fourth-placed Bulls in Pool D and fourth-placed Leicester Tigers in Pool C.Previously the four highest-ranked clubs in each Champions and Challenge Cup pool automatically qualified for the Round of 16. The remaining four Round of 16 places will go to the four clubs with the highest number of match points across all pools, regardless of which Pool they are in.
If this had been applied to 2025/26, Sharks and Munster would have made the Last 16 and played at Glasgow and Bordeaux respectively. The four places in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 will be awarded to the next four clubs with the highest number of match points, also regardless of which pool they are in.
This means clubs finishing below fourth place in their Champions and Challenge Cups pools can still qualify, but only if they have enough points compared to clubs from other pools. Moreover, in a change to how pool rankings are determined, if two clubs are tied on match points, the club with the greatest number of wins will be awarded higher ranking. This was decided on best points difference before. This change would not have affected the 2025/26 competition.
Said an EPCR spokesman: "The two tournament rule changes that will be introduced from the 2026/27 season followed the regular review of the competition rules.
"The review process involved extensive consultation with EPCR stakeholders, including the three leagues - the Gallagher PREM, United Rugby Championship and TOP 14. "The changes are designed to enhance the competitiveness and intensity of the Pool stage fixtures by enhancing the battle for qualification to the Round of 16, and ensuring matches stay competitive for longer. "While these changes will be implemented from the 2026/27 season, the overall eight-week structure and format of both competitions will remain unchanged.
"Meanwhile champions Bordeaux Bègles, English PREM winners Northampton Saints, URC champions Leinster Rugby and Top 14 winners Toulouse have been confirmed as 2026/27 Champions Cup Tier 1 clubs. In the secondary competition Georgian provincial selection Black Lion and South African club Toyota Cheetahs will return to EPCR Challenge Cup as invitees to take the numbers to 18.
Said EPCR: "Both clubs satisfied the required participation criteria, including establishing a European home base, demonstrating the ability to field a competitive squad and meeting EPCR’s minimum match standards.
"The Pool Draws take place at the Premier Sports studios, Dublin, and are available 'live' at
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