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Champions Cup preview: How a decade of meddling has robbed rugby's greatest club competition of drama and jeopardy, writes CHRIS FOY

The article by Chris Foy discusses how the Heineken Champions Cup, rugby's premier club competition, has lost its drama and jeopardy due to a series of structural changes over the last decade. Initially, the competition was known for its unpredictability and the excitement of top European clubs clashing, but recent modifications have diluted its essence. Key issues include the expansion of the tournament, which has led to an unwieldy format with too many teams and games, reducing the significance of each match. The introduction of a convoluted pool stage followed by knockout rounds has made the competition less engaging. Furthermore, the influence of financial considerations and the prioritization of domestic leagues over the European competition have shifted focus away from what was once a thrilling knockout event. Foy argues that these changes have not only lessened the competition's appeal but also its competitive integrity, with teams often fielding weakened sides or not taking the competition as seriously as before.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/soccer/champions-cup-preview-how-a-decade-of-meddling-has-robbed-rugby-s-greatest-club-competition-of-drama-and-jeopardy-writes-chris-foy/ar-AA1vl3Rs ]