Next season's Champions Cup will see a significant shift in how try-scoring bonus points are awarded during the pool stage. Teams will now earn bonus points only by scoring three more tries than their opponents, a change aimed at maintaining competitive integrity throughout matches. This system, previously utilized in France's Top 14 and Super Rugby, seeks to prevent losing teams from easily securing a bonus point when leading teams ease off in the final moments.

Additionally, the qualification criteria for the last-16 stage will undergo revisions. Starting in 2026-27, only three teams from each of the four pools will automatically qualify. The remaining four spots will be determined by table points, with wins serving as the primary tie-breaker. This change prevents scenarios like last season, where Leicester and Bulls advanced despite finishing fourth in their pools with just one win each, leaving Sharks, who had two wins, on the sidelines.

The tournament is set to kick off in October instead of December, aiming to engage fans earlier in the season. While organizers report increased crowd numbers and digital interaction, critics argue that the tournament has become unwieldy, especially with the inclusion of South African sides and logistical challenges.

Despite uncertainties regarding the future participation of these teams, organizers remain optimistic about their involvement in the 2026-27 edition. Proposals to condense the tournament to 16 clubs and feature a single block of fixtures towards the season's end have emerged as potential strategies to enhance the tournament's profile. However, any format changes would require unanimous agreement from stakeholders, with the current structure locked in until 2030.

The draw for the 2026-27 pool stage is scheduled for Wednesday.