The chances of the champion Crusaders and other New Zealand teams taking on the north’s top clubs have increased with European rugby bosses “advancing” plans for a Club World Cup. European Professional Club Rugby chief executive Vincent Gaillard gave a positive outlook for the proposed tournament that would likely feature the eight quarterfinalists from Europe’s Champions Cup taking on the eight best teams from Super Rugby every four years. More than that, it devalues the product,” Gaillard told the AFP news agency of the Club World Cup. Playing the club tournament every four years would allow the game’s hierarchy to time it to avoid clashes with the Rugby World Cup, the sport’s premier event. Football holds a Club World Cup on an annual basis, bringing together the champion teams from their various confederations.

Source: Stuff September 02, 2020 19:52 UTC