England’s lack of representation in rugby’s European finals is no quick fix

England’s lack of representation in rugby’s European finals is no quick fix

Two English sides lost their European semi-finals at the weekend and England is struggling to computer with the might of France and Ireland in the Champions and Challenge Cups.
Two English sides lost their European semi-finals at the weekend and England is struggling to computer with the might of France and Ireland in the Champions and Challenge Cups. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Even before this weekend’s Champions Cup semi-finals, the English game knew it would have no representation in the final. 

And bar outliers Saracens – who picked up three titles in four years – and Exeter Chiefs’ triumph during the pandemic, there has been little for Premiership sides to boast about at the highest level of European club rugby.

Even the Challenge Cup, where English teams have historically done well, will be contested between two French outfits in Lyon and Toulon.

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A number of factors have contributed to a lack of competitiveness from Premiership teams at the business end of the best club competition in world rugby. 

But with a reducing salary cap and a tightening of pursestrings across the league, it could be years before English sides are truly competitive en masse on

…. to be continued
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