2024/2025 Not Heineken Cup

[OomStruisbaai]

and host it in South Africa

Stop being a kant. The teams playing in or SA teams playing in the NH can play their two away games after another. Saving them travel time and money.

Well I agree that is we are going to keep the Saffers then travelling for one game is stupid, but I don't think moving the competition is going to make that any easier. It would have an enormous impact on the whole rugby calendar just to shoehorn it in.

I don't understand your reasoning. The season is what it is between URC/T14/GPS plus European Comps. Keep them apart, don't mix them up like now. European comps should end the season I think.

[SaintK]

The group stages are shit, but the only non-shit alternative (groups of four, home and away ties against the other three in the group) is not feasible in an already bloated calendar.

The knock outs are great, and finals weekend is the best weekend of the season. Except for this season, because it's in Cardiff. But next year Bilbao again, which is amazing.

Yep
Had a great time up in Newcastle for the Sarries/Leinster final and an even better one at Spurs (an absolutely wonderful stadium) when Toulouse won last season

[OomStruisbaai]

SA can move out of the European kak and start our CC earlier. It's just stupid to play a competition but have to play the semi final away from home. Not even Leinster or Toulouse will survive that.

[Slick]

SA can move out of the European kak and start our CC earlier. It's just stupid to play a competition but have to play the semi final away from home. Not even Leinster or Toulouse will survive that.

You couldn't win your final at home in the URC

[OomStruisbaai]

SA can move out of the European kak and start our CC earlier. It's just stupid to play a competition but have to play the semi final away from home. Not even Leinster or Toulouse will survive that.

You couldn't win your final at home in the URC

The Stormers did, Leinster could not make the finals.

[Chilli2]

I really wish that the coaches etc would stop moaning about the format of these competitions. Did they not fvcking understand that when they signed up to play in the URC and ECC that they are European based competitions?
Plumtree is moaning that the SA players are treated as robots. Thy take the money that the Yanks invested in you and buy some more fvcking quality players.

If they feel that they can't compete in the ECC then why play in it? They want the money from it but then whine about having to play in it.

Fvck me, just play CC and URC then and cut out the moaning.

[assfly]

I really wish that the coaches etc would stop moaning about the format of these competitions. Did they not fvcking understand that when they signed up to play in the URC and ECC that they are European based competitions?
Plumtree is moaning that the SA players are treated as robots. Thy take the money that the Yanks invested in you and buy some more fvcking quality players.

If they feel that they can't compete in the ECC then why play in it? They want the money from it but then whine about having to play in it.

Fvck me, just play CC and URC then and cut out the moaning.

Dobson came out saying the same thing, don't single out Plumtree. They're both just being honest that the current format isn't working. They have every right to comment on it.

They can compete in the previously European competitions. The Bulls made the QF last year, and the Sharks won the Challenge Cup. All they're asking for is some changes to the current round robin format where they have to travel overseas for one game. I think that's reasonable.

[OomStruisbaai]

I really wish that the coaches etc would stop moaning about the format of these competitions. Did they not fvcking understand that when they signed up to play in the URC and ECC that they are European based competitions?
Plumtree is moaning that the SA players are treated as robots. Thy take the money that the Yanks invested in you and buy some more fvcking quality players.

If they feel that they can't compete in the ECC then why play in it? They want the money from it but then whine about having to play in it.

Fvck me, just play CC and URC then and cut out the moaning.

Dobson came out saying the same thing, don't single out Plumtree. They're both just being honest that the current format isn't working. They have every right to comment on it.

They can compete in the previously European competitions. The Bulls made the QF last year, and the Sharks won the Challenge Cup. All they're asking for is some changes to the current round robin format where they have to travel overseas for one game. I think that's reasonable.

All the teams do this. Glasgow also field a B team on the weekend. Leinster do this for ages,. No way Toulouse will send an A team to the Sharks in January. French teams do this all the time.

[assfly]

No way Toulouse will send an A team to the Sharks in January. French teams do this all the time.

Apparently they are sending their A team, as there will be some sort of ceremony for the young lad who died a few months back.

It would be great to see du Pont playing at Kings Park, hopefully against Grant Williams.

[OomStruisbaai]

No way Toulouse will send an A team to the Sharks in January. French teams do this all the time.

Apparently they are sending their A team, as there will be some sort of ceremony for the young lad who died a few months back.

It would be great to see du Pont playing at Kings Park, hopefully against Grant Williams.

It will be a massive game. Lets hope our friend Torq dont flounce for three months again.

[Slick]

I really wish that the coaches etc would stop moaning about the format of these competitions. Did they not fvcking understand that when they signed up to play in the URC and ECC that they are European based competitions?
Plumtree is moaning that the SA players are treated as robots. Thy take the money that the Yanks invested in you and buy some more fvcking quality players.

If they feel that they can't compete in the ECC then why play in it? They want the money from it but then whine about having to play in it.

Fvck me, just play CC and URC then and cut out the moaning.

Dobson came out saying the same thing, don't single out Plumtree. They're both just being honest that the current format isn't working. They have every right to comment on it.

They can compete in the previously European competitions. The Bulls made the QF last year, and the Sharks won the Challenge Cup. All they're asking for is some changes to the current round robin format where they have to travel overseas for one game. I think that's reasonable.

All the teams do this. Glasgow also field a B team on the weekend. Leinster do this for ages,. No way Toulouse will send an A team to the Sharks in January. French teams do this all the time.

Glasgow didn’t really field a B team, they just swapped around the usual bench and starters. It very nearly worked

[Simian]

I really wish that the coaches etc would stop moaning about the format of these competitions. Did they not fvcking understand that when they signed up to play in the URC and ECC that they are European based competitions?
Plumtree is moaning that the SA players are treated as robots. Thy take the money that the Yanks invested in you and buy some more fvcking quality players.

If they feel that they can't compete in the ECC then why play in it? They want the money from it but then whine about having to play in it.

Fvck me, just play CC and URC then and cut out the moaning.

Dobson came out saying the same thing, don't single out Plumtree. They're both just being honest that the current format isn't working. They have every right to comment on it.

They can compete in the previously European competitions. The Bulls made the QF last year, and the Sharks won the Challenge Cup. All they're asking for is some changes to the current round robin format where they have to travel overseas for one game. I think that's reasonable.

All the teams do this. Glasgow also field a B team on the weekend. Leinster do this for ages,. No way Toulouse will send an A team to the Sharks in January. French teams do this all the time.

Their coaches don’t then whine like wee kids when those weakened sides lose though.

[sockwithaticket]

I really wish that the coaches etc would stop moaning about the format of these competitions. Did they not fvcking understand that when they signed up to play in the URC and ECC that they are European based competitions?
Plumtree is moaning that the SA players are treated as robots. Thy take the money that the Yanks invested in you and buy some more fvcking quality players.

If they feel that they can't compete in the ECC then why play in it? They want the money from it but then whine about having to play in it.

Fvck me, just play CC and URC then and cut out the moaning.

Dobson came out saying the same thing, don't single out Plumtree. They're both just being honest that the current format isn't working. They have every right to comment on it.

They can compete in the previously European competitions. The Bulls made the QF last year, and the Sharks won the Challenge Cup. All they're asking for is some changes to the current round robin format where they have to travel overseas for one game. I think that's reasonable.

Honestly, I support that. I think it's stupid and unnecessary to be flying halfway across the world for club rugby, but if we're going to do it, then let's have it done in a way that minimises flights and maximises the trips that are made by sheduling multiple games before the visiting team heads home.

[OomStruisbaai]

Dobson came out saying the same thing, don't single out Plumtree. They're both just being honest that the current format isn't working. They have every right to comment on it.

They can compete in the previously European competitions. The Bulls made the QF last year, and the Sharks won the Challenge Cup. All they're asking for is some changes to the current round robin format where they have to travel overseas for one game. I think that's reasonable.

All the teams do this. Glasgow also field a B team on the weekend. Leinster do this for ages,. No way Toulouse will send an A team to the Sharks in January. French teams do this all the time.

Their coaches don’t then whine like wee kids when those weakened sides lose though.

Ah dont talk kak here. Its the Spivs that whine like wee kids.

[SaintK]

All the teams do this. Glasgow also field a B team on the weekend. Leinster do this for ages,. No way Toulouse will send an A team to the Sharks in January. French teams do this all the time.

Their coaches don’t then whine like wee kids when those weakened sides lose though.

Ah dont talk kak here. Its the Spivs that whine like wee kids.

Who are these "spivs" you talk about and what do they whine about?
I'd love to see some actual quotes.

[OomStruisbaai]

Their coaches don’t then whine like wee kids when those weakened sides lose though.

Ah dont talk kak here. Its the Spivs that whine like wee kids.

Who are these "spivs" you talk about and what do they whine about?
I'd love to see some actual quotes.

Jones and Barnes plus posters like yourself.

[SaintK]

Ah dont talk kak here. Its the Spivs that whine like wee kids.

Who are these "spivs" you talk about and what do they whine about?
I'd love to see some actual quotes.

Jones and Barnes plus posters like yourself.

Is that it?

[OomStruisbaai]

I reckon we will beat Toulouse as they'll probably send a b team and then we'll lose to Bordeaux because we'll send a b team. This tournament

This group stage is bollocks, really. Only a few teams are bothering with contesting away games.

The Walruses solution in the Sunday Times yesterday
Say goodbye to the Saffer teams. Then 4 groups of 4 teams playing home and away.
5 from France, 4 from England, 3 from Ireland, 2 from Scotland, 1 from each of Italy and Wales
Rotate the final in each of the 6 countries.
Same for the Challenge Cup

I cant read it but here, you post it yourself.

Barnes
https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-un ... -3dp0hblxq

[JM2K6]

Hey it's probably a good idea to find out who "spivs" refers to if you're going to use it

[Uncle fester]

Who are these "spivs" you talk about and what do they whine about?
I'd love to see some actual quotes.

Jones and Barnes plus posters like yourself.

Is that it?

Consider yourself in honoured company.

[Sandstorm]

Hey it's probably a good idea to find out who "spivs" refers to if you're going to use it

Never stopped him before

[SaintK]

This group stage is bollocks, really. Only a few teams are bothering with contesting away games.

The Walruses solution in the Sunday Times yesterday
Say goodbye to the Saffer teams. Then 4 groups of 4 teams playing home and away.
5 from France, 4 from England, 3 from Ireland, 2 from Scotland, 1 from each of Italy and Wales
Rotate the final in each of the 6 countries.
Same for the Challenge Cup

I cant read it but here, you post it yourself.

Barnes
https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-un ... -3dp0hblxq

I know I posted it thanks as I think it's a very sensible idea and the probably the first time I've ever agreed with either Jones or Barnes. To be honest I wouldn't have any non-European teams anywhere near what is European Rugby's premier tournament
It would also stop the Saffer coaches whining about the travel and sending "C" teams as you refer to them to Europe so they can rest players

[OomStruisbaai]

The Walruses solution in the Sunday Times yesterday
Say goodbye to the Saffer teams. Then 4 groups of 4 teams playing home and away.
5 from France, 4 from England, 3 from Ireland, 2 from Scotland, 1 from each of Italy and Wales
Rotate the final in each of the 6 countries.
Same for the Challenge Cup

I cant read it but here, you post it yourself.

Barnes
https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-un ... -3dp0hblxq

I know I posted it thanks as I think it's a very sensible idea and the probably the first time I've ever agreed with either Jones or Barnes. To be honest I wouldn't have any non-European teams anywhere near what is European Rugby's premier tournament
It would also stop the Saffer coaches whining about the travel and sending "C" teams as you refer to them to Europe so they can rest players

Expect it from a Spiv like yourself.

[JM2K6]

I was reliably informed by the board's expert that Saffers don't complain, so this is all very upsetting

[SaintK]

I cant read it but here, you post it yourself.

Barnes
https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-un ... -3dp0hblxq

I know I posted it thanks as I think it's a very sensible idea and the probably the first time I've ever agreed with either Jones or Barnes. To be honest I wouldn't have any non-European teams anywhere near what is European Rugby's premier tournament
It would also stop the Saffer coaches whining about the travel and sending "C" teams as you refer to them to Europe so they can rest players

Expect it from a Spiv like yourself.

I suspect that you don't know what the word means.
I appreciate that English is not your first language but I am very un-spiv like

[assfly]

I quite like Barnes as a journalist.

Stephen Jones utter hatred for anything remotely South African is unbelievable. I'm amazed he's survived this long at The Times.

[Mahoney]

A spiv is a dodgy businessman, black market, seedy, always on the lookout for making a quick buck, more often than not borderline illegally. Cheap shiny suit, nasty little moustache. Del boy in Only Fools and Horses, Private Walker in Dad's Army.

The Irish use it to insult the owners of the premiership clubs, precisely because of their perception of their business practices.

Using it as a generic insult for English rugby fans doesn't make sense.

[Tichtheid]

The Not-Heineken Cup stopped being a European cup when it ended requiring at least one team from each country.

[Tichtheid]

Stephen Jones utter hatred for anything remotely South African is unbelievable.

Welcome to the world of a Scottish rugby fan.

However, Jones is not worth getting pissed off at, he's as current and up to speed as when games were decided on "goals".

[SaintK]

A spiv is a dodgy businessman, black market, seedy, always on the lookout for making a quick buck, more often than not borderline illegally. Cheap shiny suit, nasty little moustache. Del boy in Only Fools and Horses, Private Walker in Dad's Army.

The Irish use it to insult the owners of the premiership clubs, precisely because of their perception of their business practices.

Using it as a generic insult for English rugby fans doesn't make sense.

I explained all that to Oom last year

[Chilli2]

A spiv is a dodgy businessman, black market, seedy, always on the lookout for making a quick buck, more often than not borderline illegally. Cheap shiny suit, nasty little moustache. Del boy in Only Fools and Horses, Private Walker in Dad's Army.

The Irish use it to insult the owners of the premiership clubs, precisely because of their perception of their business practices.

Using it as a generic insult for English rugby fans doesn't make sense.

So Welsh?

[Sandstorm]

I was reliably informed by the board's expert that Saffers don't complain, so this is all very upsetting

For the Greater Good. It's our responsibility to help those less fortunate and talented than ourselves. Merry Christmas.

[Paddington Bear]

I was reliably informed by the board's expert that Saffers don't complain, so this is all very upsetting

In fairness, someone mischaracterised the constitutional status of Walvis Bay a fortnight ago, they’re justifiably on edge

[Sandstorm]

I was reliably informed by the board's expert that Saffers don't complain, so this is all very upsetting

In fairness, someone mischaracterised the constitutional status of Walvis Bay a fortnight ago, they’re justifiably on edge

[JM2K6]

I was reliably informed by the board's expert that Saffers don't complain, so this is all very upsetting

In fairness, someone mischaracterised the constitutional status of Walvis Bay a fortnight ago, they’re justifiably on edge

[sockwithaticket]

I quite like Barnes as a journalist.

Stephen Jones utter hatred for anything remotely South African is unbelievable. I'm amazed he's survived this long at The Times.

Jones thinks Marcus Smith isn't good enough to play for England and that's not even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a lifetime of awful takes.

He has my grudging respect for managing to draw a decent wage as a rugby columnist for decades whilst apparently knowing fuck all about the sport.

[Torquemada 1420]

5) No money for no points for sides outside Tier 1 i.e. Fra, Eng, Wal, Sco, Ire and SA. If they rock up with 3rd teams and get nothing, they get nothing.

Harsh on those Teams (and it's probably 70+% these days) who DON'T have a Sugar Daddy buying huge squads of quality players in every position. Something has to give when teams e.g. Stormers have 17 first choice players injured now and inevitably coaches have to make a decision which tournament they will target.

Last season the Natal Sharks were cellar-dwellers in the URC mid-season, so concentrated on the Cup instead.

My view on this has always been that if you don't want to be there, you should be allowed to dip out on a season by season basis. So, if you can't commit the resources, don't come. But don't turn up expecting a freebie whilst cheating us paying fans.

[Torquemada 1420]

Jones thinks Marcus Smith isn't good enough to play for England and that's not even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a lifetime of awful takes.

He has my grudging respect for managing to draw a decent wage as a rugby columnist for decades whilst apparently knowing fuck all about the sport.

It's a common theme in rugby. Witness Jake.

[Sandstorm]

My view on this has always been that if you don't want to be there, you should be allowed to dip out on a season by season basis. So, if you can't commit the resources, don't come. But don't turn up expecting a freebie whilst cheating us paying fans.

You don't have to tell me. £150 for a pair of tickets to watch Quins gape Stormers D Team last weekend.

[JM2K6]

My view on this has always been that if you don't want to be there, you should be allowed to dip out on a season by season basis. So, if you can't commit the resources, don't come. But don't turn up expecting a freebie whilst cheating us paying fans.

You don't have to tell me. £150 for a pair of tickets to watch Quins gape Stormers D Team last weekend.

But you'll be able to tell your grand kids of the time that a poor Saffa was granted the privilege of watching Cadan Murley and Alex Dombrandt score hat tricks against the pride of South African rugby