Peter DownI'm sure that the reasons for this are complex. I've just watched Leinster comfortably beat Gloucester in the European Champions' Cup. Gloucester fielded an inexperienced team and lost by more than 50 points in front of a well less than full stadium. It is hard to escape the conclusion that the ERC have some serious problems facing their competitions. Games like today's suggest that some clubs don't rate the competition very highly. Supporters might be losing interest. What might the reasons be?
The reasons for the problems facing the ERC might be any or all of the following.
The format of the pool stage (changed in response to covid restrictions but now retained) is confusing to supporters.
The format allows teams to "throw" a game while still having a chance to qualify for the round of 16.
The introduction of South African sides is somewhat mystifying to many supporters.
The format feels as if the competition has lost its integrity.
Taffy Baldwin