Donal Lenihan: A Champions Cup without South African involvement is fine by me

Word has emerged that the South African Rugby Union is considering the withdrawal of its team from the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions

WINNER: James Crombie's super picture of Matthieu Jalibert's try for Bordeaux Bègles against Toulouse has been named the Investec Champions Cup “Out of the Ordinary” Photograph of the Year. Pic: James Crombie, Inpho

“While it’s great to have the four South African sides in the URC, I think the Champions Cup would be better served without them” 

- Irish Examiner 29/04/2026