Champions Cup replay changes planned for knockout stages – report

Champions Cup replay changes will introduce independent operators for the knockout stages of this season’s competition, according to The Times.

The reported arrangement would also cover the Challenge Cup, starting from the last 16.

Operators would work alongside the television match official to source footage, separating that process from the host broadcaster’s selection of replays.

How the Champions Cup replay changes would work

The aim is to address concerns about whether officials receive the most useful camera angles when reviewing incidents.

The Times reports that the existing broadcast-led arrangement will remain in place during the pool stages, with cost preventing a competition-wide rollout.

The change concerns the supply of footage to match officials. Refereeing decisions would remain with the officials themselves.

Bath controversy highlighted replay concerns

The issue came under scrutiny after Bath’s 38-26 semi-final defeat by Bordeaux-Bègles in May.

As The Guardian reported at the time, Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan questioned whether officials had received sufficient footage to examine three alleged high tackles on Alfie Barbeary.

Premier Sports’ commentary team also highlighted missing replay angles. The broadcaster relied on pictures supplied by the host production and could not independently select alternative footage.

An independent broadcast director was subsequently reported to be overseeing the final in Bilbao.

The latest report points towards a wider change across the knockout rounds, with access to replay footage again central to the debate.

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