Glasgow Warriors coach warns of Champions Cup format changes

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith has expressed concerns regarding a proposed format change for the Investec Champions Cup, which would reduce the number of participating teams from 24 to 16. Smith suggests this reduction could increase financial disparities between United Rugby Championship (URC) clubs and wealthier French teams, potentially limiting revenue and exposure for South African franchises.

In terms of domestic competition, the Warriors are prioritizing a strong start to their URC campaign to build a buffer ahead of difficult end-of-season away fixtures against the Bulls and Sharks in South Africa. Additionally, Managing Director Kenny Brown noted the club’s transition toward a younger squad, with the average player age dropping from under 29 to under 25. This shift coincides with commercial growth, including surpassing season ticket sales targets.