EPCR Q&A:
FIXTURES: CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THE FIXTURES ARE SCHEDULED?
The process of confirming the fixtures for the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup begins after the pool draws which take place in June each season.
The pool fixtures are confirmed during the summer, following a scheduling process which includes consultation with the 40 competing clubs, league bodies and broadcast partners across each territory.
EPCR is challenged with producing a balanced and fair schedule which takes into account club preferences, restrictions at many shared stadia, date requests associated with moves to larger venues as well as ensuring our broadcasters across Europe can carry as many compelling matches as possible from Friday evening through to Sunday.
This means that on certain occasions some clubs will have a slightly longer turnaround than others, but this will usually balance out across a campaign.