Champions Cup changes bonus-point and last-16 qualification criteria
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 8:00 AM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026
The Champions Cup will implement a new bonus-point rule for the 2026-27 season, awarding try bonuses only to teams scoring at least three more tries than their opponents. Additionally, the last-16 qualification will change, with only three teams advancing automatically from each pool. This aims to make matches more competitive and rectify past issues of teams with fewer wins progressing to the knockout stage. The tournament format is set to officially commence in October 2026, earlier than previous years. Organizers remain optimistic about South African teams’ participation in the upcoming season, despite prior concerns.
- •New bonus-point rule favors teams with more tries.
- •Last-16 qualification now includes table points and eliminates easy advances.
- •Champions Cup begins in October 2026, earlier than before.
- •Future participation of South African teams remains uncertain.
- •Draw for the 2026-27 pool stage scheduled for Wednesday.
- 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Bonus-point rule and last-16 changes for Champions Cup
- 8:00 AMBBC Sport — Bonus-point rule and last-16 changes for Champions Cup
"Try bonus points in next season's Champions Cup pool stage will be awarded only to teams who score at least three more times than their opponents.
"Try bonus points in next season's Champions Cup pool stage will be awarded only to teams who score at least three more times than their opponents.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 30, 2026, 8:00 AMBonus-point rule and last-16 changes for Champions Cup
Try bonus points in next season's Champions Cup pool stage will be awarded only to teams who score at least three more times than their opponents.
- BBC SportJun 30, 2026, 8:00 AMBonus-point rule and last-16 changes for Champions Cup
Try bonus points in next season's Champions Cup pool stage will be awarded only to teams who score at least three more times than their opponents.
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