Premiership Rugby Cup: New-look 2024/25 format to highlight local rivalries this season with action starting in November
Published 20/08/2024 at 10:59 GMT+1
The new format for the upcoming Premiership Rugby Cup has been revealed, with 20 teams set to slug it out for silverware and glory, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, when the tournament concludes in March next year. With five pools of four teams sorted regionally, there will be plenty of local rivalries for the fans to enjoy.
Gloucester celebrate Premiership Rugby Cup final win over Leicester
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Premiership Rugby Cup is back for 2024/25, with a new-look format highlighting local derbies.
All 10 clubs from the Premiership will be joined by 10 from the Championship, but for this season, they will be grouped into five pools of four teams.
These pools will be regional, meaning from the word 'go' there will be derby clashes and old rivalries at play, with the opening rounds taking place in the November international windows.
There will also be matches played in the February international window and into March, before the tournament concludes with the final on Saturday, March 15 - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Gloucester Rugby beat Leicester Tigers in last season’s final, and the reigning champions have an opening round against Hartpury University RFC to look forward to.
Gloucester’s captain and England back row Lewis Ludlow made no secret of just how much that title meant to his side - while he is also looking forward to the opening derby against Hartpury.
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Lewis Ludlow of Gloucester lifts the Premiership Rugby Cup trophy following the final of the Premiership Rugby Cup between Gloucester Rugby and Leicester Tigers at Kingsholm Stadium on March 15, 2024.
Image credit: Getty Images
He said: “Winning the first piece of silverware for Gloucester Rugby in nine years was a memorable moment for everyone connected to the club. We have an extremely passionate fanbase, so to lift the Premiership Rugby Cup trophy at Kingsholm was truly special.
“We know the quality that lies in all three of our pool opponents’ squads. But we’re especially looking forward to kicking things off against our neighbours, Hartpury.
“I was fortunate enough to go to Hartpury myself, it was a big part of my journey both on and off the field. There’s a strong bond between the two clubs, so it’s sure to be a great occasion for rugby in Gloucestershire.”
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The five group winners will progress to the quarter-finals, along with the top three group runners-up.
The knockout stages take place in early March, coinciding with the conclusion of the men’s Six Nations championship.
"It's great to once again open up the Premiership Rugby Cup to Championship clubs,” said Phil Winstanley, Rugby Director at Premiership Rugby.
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Highlights: Gloucester beat Leicester to lift Premiership Rugby Cup
Video credit: TNT Sports
"By regionalising Pool games, the narrative, and stakes, are even more intense with some old rivals set to produce plenty of new stories for fans.
“Last season’s final at Kingsholm between Premiership heavyweights Gloucester Rugby and Leicester Tigers was a high-quality affair and showed the value that our clubs, players and supporters place on claiming some silverware.”
The opening round matchup between Gallagher Premiership Rugby champions Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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