EPCR

EPCR stands for European Professional Club Rugby. It is the governing body responsible for the two premier annual European club rugby union competitions: the European Rugby Champions Cup and the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Established in 2014, EPCR succeeded the former European Rugby Cup Ltd (ERC) as part of a restructuring of professional club rugby in Europe. It is owned by the six European national unions representing the professional game: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. The organisation is governed by a board and led by a chief executive, and its remit includes overseeing competition formats, qualification criteria, broadcast and commercial rights, and overall governance of the competitions.

The European Rugby Champions Cup is the top-tier competition, featuring clubs that qualify through their domestic leagues and other EPCR criteria. It consists of a pool stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a final to determine the champion. The European Rugby Challenge Cup is the second-tier competition, with its own pool stage and knockout rounds, offering additional European competition for clubs from the six unions.

EPCR negotiates broadcast and sponsorship arrangements and distributes proceeds to the member unions and participating clubs. The organisation also focuses on development and governance initiatives to maintain competitive balance and raise standards across European club rugby.

Overall, EPCR coordinates cross-border club rugby competition at the highest level in Europe, aiming to promote high-quality play, commercial sustainability, and cooperation among the six participating national unions.