2024/2025 Not Heineken Cup

[OomStruisbaai]

Sards the Spivs want money, they fucked the Heineken Cup up in the past, now they blame us.

[assfly]

get used to it, you're about as welcome as a fart that follows through. but again I will note on the off chance you've actually got some money that will render my objections worthless because that will trump all else for the clubs/unions

[Slick]

I don't get it.
South Africa has added so much value to your competitions.
Hell even the star Kiwis want in. That makes it a top product.
The only reason I can imagine for bitching is because it takes away the advantage some teams had before we joined and it makes it harder to compete in the tournaments.
Grow a pair man if that's the case. Improve your sides and grow your skills so that you compete at a better level.
Stop bitching. Bitching is for procrastinators

I think it’s more that much of the rugby world has just had enough of SA rugby. I don’t mind the SA club sides being in the URC because they mostly behave themselves, but I can absolutely see the objection to them being in the European Cup. But for me the circus that goes with the Springboks has soured many people’s views on SA rugby and I personally have zero interest in watching them now

[LoveOfTheGame]

I don't get it.
South Africa has added so much value to your competitions.
Hell even the star Kiwis want in. That makes it a top product.
The only reason I can imagine for bitching is because it takes away the advantage some teams had before we joined and it makes it harder to compete in the tournaments.
Grow a pair man if that's the case. Improve your sides and grow your skills so that you compete at a better level.
Stop bitching. Bitching is for procrastinators

I think it’s more that much of the rugby world has just had enough of SA rugby. I don’t mind the SA club sides being in the URC because they mostly behave themselves, but I can absolutely see the objection to them being in the European Cup. But for me the circus that goes with the Springboks has soured many people’s views on SA rugby and I personally have zero interest in watching them now

1) Isn't it the same "club" sides that are behaving themselves in the URC that are competing in the Champions/Challenge cups????
2) What circus are you referring to with SA Rugby?

[assfly]

I think it’s more that much of the rugby world has just had enough of SA rugby. I don’t mind the SA club sides being in the URC because they mostly behave themselves, but I can absolutely see the objection to them being in the European Cup. But for me the circus that goes with the Springboks has soured many people’s views on SA rugby and I personally have zero interest in watching them now

Just because you have had enough of SA rugby, doesn't mean THE RUGBY WORLD has had enough of SA rugby.

Also, they're not in the European Cup. They are in the Heineken Cup. It used to be the European Cup before they invited South African teams to join.

The only circus I see is a minority of fans like you throwing your toys out the cot at any opportunity.

Perhaps if you have zero interest in watching them, you can also refrain from your constant negative diatribes against them.

[PCPhil]

'Spiv' talking. I have no objection to SA sides in the H Cup and can see the added value in competition.

But, just want them to sort out the damn format. As it stands it's a mess and doesn't offer the epic home and away battles where every point mattered that happened in the past.

[Slick]

I don't get it.
South Africa has added so much value to your competitions.
Hell even the star Kiwis want in. That makes it a top product.
The only reason I can imagine for bitching is because it takes away the advantage some teams had before we joined and it makes it harder to compete in the tournaments.
Grow a pair man if that's the case. Improve your sides and grow your skills so that you compete at a better level.
Stop bitching. Bitching is for procrastinators

I think it’s more that much of the rugby world has just had enough of SA rugby. I don’t mind the SA club sides being in the URC because they mostly behave themselves, but I can absolutely see the objection to them being in the European Cup. But for me the circus that goes with the Springboks has soured many people’s views on SA rugby and I personally have zero interest in watching them now

1) Isn't it the same "club" sides that are behaving themselves in the URC that are competing in the Champions/Challenge cups????
2) What circus are you referring to with SA Rugby?

You have to be fucking joking

[Slick]

I think it’s more that much of the rugby world has just had enough of SA rugby. I don’t mind the SA club sides being in the URC because they mostly behave themselves, but I can absolutely see the objection to them being in the European Cup. But for me the circus that goes with the Springboks has soured many people’s views on SA rugby and I personally have zero interest in watching them now

Just because you have had enough of SA rugby, doesn't mean THE RUGBY WORLD has had enough of SA rugby.

Also, they're not in the European Cup. They are in the Heineken Cup. It used to be the European Cup before they invited South African teams to join.

The only circus I see is a minority of fans like you throwing your toys out the cot at any opportunity.

Perhaps if you have zero interest in watching them, you can also refrain from your constant negative diatribes against them.

I know plenty of people, including myself, who have decided not to go to the Autumn international because of the behaviour of SA rugby. The fact that supporters like you won’t even acknowledge what’s been going on just makes it worse.

And no, I won’t stop, SA rugby has been a stain for a number of years now and should be called out.

[assfly]

I know plenty of people, including myself, who have decided not to go to the Autumn international because of the behaviour of SA rugby. The fact that supporters like you won’t even acknowledge what’s been going on just makes it worse.

And no, I won’t stop, SA rugby has been a stain for a number of years now and should be called out.

[SaintK]

I think it’s more that much of the rugby world has just had enough of SA rugby. I don’t mind the SA club sides being in the URC because they mostly behave themselves, but I can absolutely see the objection to them being in the European Cup. But for me the circus that goes with the Springboks has soured many people’s views on SA rugby and I personally have zero interest in watching them now

Just because you have had enough of SA rugby, doesn't mean THE RUGBY WORLD has had enough of SA rugby.

Also, they're not in the European Cup. They are in the Heineken Cup. It used to be the European Cup before they invited South African teams to join.

The only circus I see is a minority of fans like you throwing your toys out the cot at any opportunity.

Perhaps if you have zero interest in watching them, you can also refrain from your constant negative diatribes against them.

What the fuck are you blathering on about?
It hasn't been the Heineken Cup for at least 10 years. It was known as the Champions Cup for a couple of seasons and is currently the European Professional Club Rugby Champions Cup or The Investec EPCR Champions Cup

[assfly]

What the fuck are you blathering on about?
It hasn't been the Heineken Cup for at least 10 years. It was known as the Champions Cup for a couple of seasons and is currently the European Professional Club Rugby Champions Cup or The Investec EPCR Champions Cup

Oh ffs, my point is the same.

[Sards]

I know plenty of people, including myself, who have decided not to go to the Autumn international because of the behaviour of SA rugby. The fact that supporters like you won’t even acknowledge what’s been going on just makes it worse.

And no, I won’t stop, SA rugby has been a stain for a number of years now and should be called out.

I think we are all waiting for examples of the stain South African rugby is.
It's in your head dude....in your head

[Sards]

I think the biggest bitch the lads on here can have is the fact that having 3 Saffer sides qualifying means 3 less sides that would have made it before qualifying. The reality is. The quality of the rugby has improved to the point that they actually need to make an effort to be included which would involve knocking out the Saffer sides.

If you are bitching about the quality of the Saffer posting on here and social media. And 4 world cups being thrown in your faces constantly. Yeah. I agree we are definitely not at the level of banter. But then we are third world. Surely you know not to respond or feed those trolls without wetting your panties

[Rhubarb & Custard]

And my point remains the same, we do not want or need you. Piss off and if the door hits you on the way out so be it.

I can't blame NZ and Oz for not wanting you, so go play with yourselves or ideally help build a rugby comp across SA, Zim and Namibia. Do something useful instead of trying to sponge off European ruby, we have people in Europe we could be helping if that's something we should be doing. If all that means rugby dies in SA then that's simply down to a lack of interest in SA, which is to say tough.

But even with the daft travel and pollution this adds to our game I sadly concede if you start showing financial worth our clubs/unions will happily go along for the pony show. Presently you don't seem to offer any money so my hopes in this aren't completely removed.

[Sards]

And my point remains the same, we do not want or need you. Piss off and if the door hits you on the way out so be it.

I can't blame NZ and Oz for not wanting you, so go play with yourselves or ideally help build a rugby comp across SA, Zim and Namibia. Do something useful instead of trying to sponge off European ruby, we have people in Europe we could be helping if that's something we should be doing. If all that means rugby dies in SA then that's simply down to a lack of interest in SA, which is to say tough.

But even with the daft travel and pollution this adds to our game I sadly concede if you start showing financial worth our clubs/unions will happily go along for the pony show. Presently you don't seem to offer any money so my hopes in this aren't completely removed.

Who do you support.

[Slick]

What the fuck are you blathering on about?
It hasn't been the Heineken Cup for at least 10 years. It was known as the Champions Cup for a couple of seasons and is currently the European Professional Club Rugby Champions Cup or The Investec EPCR Champions Cup

Oh ffs, my point is the same.

No, it completely invalidates your point

[PornDog]

Anyone who says they don't understand what is meant by the "SA Circus" is either being disingenuous or has their head in the sand.

The complete one eyed-ness of much of your media (and no, its not just Keo - though he is probably the worst), threatening referees and practically bringing the entire game into disrepute and having undoubtedly the biggest cunt in rugby as your figurehead doesn't help you either. Jake White's totally unacceptable comments last week is just yet another symptom!

I'm not talking about internet hardmen like us lot either. Every country has their loon fans, and even us sensible ones (stop sniggering at the back) have our moments, but in SA the craziness is much (much) more mainstream.

While the media barrage by current and ex-players over the last few weeks (and months) in the build up to Ireland series is all much tamer relatively speaking (and I know it's a compliment to us, they're doing it because they fear us *) I find all just so funny - sad funny though, not ha ha funny. I think its all really pathetic and needy.

Despite all of that, and the travel issues and other obstacles, I am really positive about the SA sides in the URC. They've brought competitiveness both on and off the pitch and really rejuvenated a competition that was frankly dying. The Scots and Italians improving has also helped that a great deal - genuinely wish the same could be said about the Welsh.

I get the NTHC objection to SA involvement, the travel issues are much worse there due to the shorter notice and turnarounds (and to a lesser extent I get the identity objections), but as was said above, those issues are minuscule when compared to the complete cluster fuck the organisers have made of the format (none of which is the fault of the SA teams). It's gone from the premier competition in the north to a fucking jokeshop!


* Hey Kiwi's - has our membership to the club gone through yet? Are there club polo shirts? Please tell me they're not black

[Sards]

It would help if those moaning could indicate which club they support so we can see how it affects them.

I think that would put a lot into perspective

[_Os_]

ideally help build a rugby comp across SA, Zim and Namibia.

Not sure the new sports minister likes Zimbabweans (in his words "a nation of cowards!"), one of his pass time activities is rocking up at the border with his friends and doing who knows what. He is a former 26s gang member, which is a bit like saying a former member of the Italian mafia.

[assfly]

And my point remains the same, we do not want or need you. Piss off and if the door hits you on the way out so be it.

I can't blame NZ and Oz for not wanting you, so go play with yourselves or ideally help build a rugby comp across SA, Zim and Namibia. Do something useful instead of trying to sponge off European ruby, we have people in Europe we could be helping if that's something we should be doing. If all that means rugby dies in SA then that's simply down to a lack of interest in SA, which is to say tough.

But even with the daft travel and pollution this adds to our game I sadly concede if you start showing financial worth our clubs/unions will happily go along for the pony show. Presently you don't seem to offer any money so my hopes in this aren't completely removed.

[assfly]

No, it completely invalidates your point

My point is that the Champions Cup is no longer a European competition, and that you are sad and nostalgic for those days.

[LoveOfTheGame]

Anyone who says they don't understand what is meant by the "SA Circus" is either being disingenuous or has their head in the sand.

The complete one eyed-ness of much of your media (and no, its not just Keo - though he is probably the worst), threatening referees and practically bringing the entire game into disrepute and having undoubtedly the biggest cunt in rugby as your figurehead doesn't help you either. Jake White's totally unacceptable comments last week is just yet another symptom!

I'm not talking about internet hardmen like us lot either. Every country has their loon fans, and even us sensible ones (stop sniggering at the back) have our moments, but in SA the craziness is much (much) more mainstream.

While the media barrage by current and ex-players over the last few weeks (and months) in the build up to Ireland series is all much tamer relatively speaking (and I know it's a compliment to us, they're doing it because they fear us *) I find all just so funny - sad funny though, not ha ha funny. I think its all really pathetic and needy.

Despite all of that, and the travel issues and other obstacles, I am really positive about the SA sides in the URC. They've brought competitiveness both on and off the pitch and really rejuvenated a competition that was frankly dying. The Scots and Italians improving has also helped that a great deal - genuinely wish the same could be said about the Welsh.

I get the NTHC objection to SA involvement, the travel issues are much worse there due to the shorter notice and turnarounds (and to a lesser extent I get the identity objections), but as was said above, those issues are minuscule when compared to the complete cluster fuck the organisers have made of the format (none of which is the fault of the SA teams). It's gone from the premier competition in the north to a fucking jokeshop!


* Hey Kiwi's - has our membership to the club gone through yet? Are there club polo shirts? Please tell me they're not black

I think you are taking yourself far too seriously. Perhaps a bit of snowflake as well. Good grief man.

[Biffer]

What the fuck are you blathering on about?
It hasn't been the Heineken Cup for at least 10 years. It was known as the Champions Cup for a couple of seasons and is currently the European Professional Club Rugby Champions Cup or The Investec EPCR Champions Cup

Oh ffs, my point is the same.

Your point was that it wasn't European. But it's got European in the name. So your point is fucking wrong.

[SaintK]

No, it completely invalidates your point

My point is that the Champions Cup is no longer a European competition, and that you are sad and nostalgic for those days.

You don't even know what the comp is named

[Biffer]

It would help if those moaning could indicate which club they support so we can see how it affects them.

I think that would put a lot into perspective

No, that just enables you to have, in effect, an ad hominem argument.

[assfly]

Your point was that it wasn't European. But it's got European in the name. So your point is fucking wrong.

Your grasping at straws.

Your beloved formerly European competition is now infected with South African teams. It's not European any more. The more that upsets you, the happier it makes me.

[Slick]

Your point was that it wasn't European. But it's got European in the name. So your point is fucking wrong.

Your grasping at straws.

Your beloved formerly European competition is now infected with South African teams. It's not European any more. The more that upsets you, the happier it makes me.

Didn't take long. Well done.

[assfly]

Didn't take long. Well done.

[Sards]

It would help if those moaning could indicate which club they support so we can see how it affects them.

I think that would put a lot into perspective

No, that just enables you to have, in effect, an ad hominem argument.

Ok. That explains a lot. Grow a pair lad

[Sards]

Didn't take long. Well done.

Some really sensitive ladies on here. It's no wonder Sandyvagina is as she is.

[SaintK]

Didn't take long. Well done.

Some really sensitive ladies on here. It's no wonder Sandyvagina is as she is.

All the usual cliches and insults. Find some new ones FFS

[clydecloggie]

Even before Glasgow won it, I thought the URC was a brilliant improvement over the Pro12/14, with the top Saffer sides in it. They bring physicality and a hard edge that really woke up some of the European sides.

While the travel is idiotic, that's geography for you and at least there's no significant time zone shift involved. And it's only really an issue during the play offs, as in the regular season the European clubs do a 2-week tour of SA, once a season.

Can't really expect the saffers to just play among themselves in the Currie Cup as the standard is not what SA would be looking for. I guess from a SA perspective, this is a much better solution than Super Rugby, even if it means not playing the NZ sides anymore. So far it looks like that is hurting NZ more than it's hurting SA.

[Sards]

Some really sensitive ladies on here. It's no wonder Sandyvagina is as she is.

All the usual cliches and insults. Find some new ones FFS

Who do you support lass

[Sards]

Even before Glasgow won it, I thought the URC was a brilliant improvement over the Pro12/14, with the top Saffer sides in it. They bring physicality and a hard edge that really woke up some of the European sides.

While the travel is idiotic, that's geography for you and at least there's no significant time zone shift involved. And it's only really an issue during the play offs, as in the regular season the European clubs do a 2-week tour of SA, once a season.

Can't really expect the saffers to just play among themselves in the Currie Cup as the standard is not what SA would be looking for. I guess from a SA perspective, this is a much better solution than Super Rugby, even if it means not playing the NZ sides anymore. So far it looks like that is hurting NZ more than it's hurting SA.

I would honestly rather have Superrugby than URC. But that's me. What I do do is accept my situation and do the best with what I have

[Biffer]

Didn't take long. Well done.

Great argument

[assfly]

Some really sensitive ladies on here. It's no wonder Sandyvagina is as she is.

Honestly. Imagine we acted the same when Argentina joined the Tri-Nations. Instead we shook their hands and welcomed them for enhancing the competition.

[Biffer]

The problem is these guys don't understand the nature of European rugby, having good travel, away fans and a culture of supporters mixing and forming bonds over long periods. Just doesn't happen for them because the distances are too big. So they can't see what the problem is, it's completely outside of their experience.

[assfly]

Great argument

Didn't take long. Well done.

[Biffer]

Great argument

Didn't take long. Well done.

Great argument

[petej]

The travel is moronic/tone deaf in this day and age. The worst aspect is the structure of the tournament is absolutely shite (this is not unique to rugby - football champions league is changing to have a similar crappy structure) comes down to trying to add more games and teams but seed it a way to make it more predictable (ie dull).