Report: South African sides to join Champions Cup next season

French newspaper Midi Olympique are reporting this morning that the Stormers, Lions, Sharks and Bulls could all be about to take part in next season’s European Champions Cup.

EPCR chairman Simon Halliday recently suggested the South Africans outfits could indeed be included in future competitions.

He told BT Sport, “All of our stakeholders are changing and improving, so the opportunity that could be presented to us through the South African franchises coming in to make it a PRO16, that’s not agreed yet, but the debate is very advanced.

“The opportunity to look at global club competition at some point in the future, all of these things are open for us to look at and develop and make a reality.”

This morning’s reports certainly appear to back up Halliday’s comments as European Rugby looks headed for a brand new era.

“Fans are going to be more excited about that opportunity in years to come,” he added.