Rugby Union: Northampton and Harlequins Face Financial Challenges Despite Champions Cup Success
Northampton Saints and Harlequins have secured their places in the semi-finals of the European Rugby Champions Cup, a remarkable achievement for the two Gallagher Premiership clubs. However, their success comes with a financial price tag, as they won’t receive any additional revenue from the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) organization despite their impressive performances.
Both teams face costly trips to Dublin and France next month, as they take on Leinster and Toulouse, respectively, in the semi-finals. This means they will have to cover the expenses for transporting players and management to these prestigious matches, which are scheduled for the first May Bank Holiday weekend.
Northampton Saints reached the last four with a comfortable victory over a second-string Bulls side from South Africa. Meanwhile, Harlequins claimed a thrilling 42-41 win over Bordeaux in the quarter-finals.
The lack of additional financial support from EPCR is a result of the organization’s revenue distribution model, which was changed in 2014. Under the current system, the money generated from the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup semi-finals, finals, and other matches is divided equally among the three leagues that contribute to European rugby competition: the Premiership, the United Rugby Championship, and France’s TOP14.
“This means that aside from the revenue gathered from their home knockout stage matches, Northampton and Harlequins won’t receive any more central EPCR funding than a team like Bristol, who were eliminated in the pool stages.”
While reaching the semi-finals is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement for the two English clubs, it won’t prove to be a significant financial windfall. This comes at a time when English club rugby has faced its fair share of challenges, with three teams having disappeared due to administration in the past two years.
The financial burden of organizing travel and accommodations for the semi-final matches will only add to the existing pressures faced by Northampton and Harlequins. Nevertheless, their success on the pitch has provided a much-needed boost for English club rugby, even if the financial rewards do not match their sporting accomplishments.
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