Plumtree: We must sort out the logistics

SHARKS head coach John Plumtree believes the Champions Cup is the greatest club competition out there but has called for increased alignment for South African teams competing in Europe, saying the mass amounts of travel is holding it back.

- BEN JAYCOCK

Plumtree's Sharks became the first South African club to lift an EPCR title when they beat Gloucester 36-22 in the Challenge Cup final which enabled the Durban franchise to qualify for next year's Champions Cup.

The New Zealander coached the Hurricanes in 2019 and was All Blacks assistant from 2020-22 but believes European competition is now superior to Super Rugby.

However, South African sides like the Bulls in April for their heavy 59-22 Champions Cup quarter-final loss to Northampton have been under fire for sending second-string teams to important matches.

But, with an 11-hour flight each way, Plumtree, below, says the scheduling needs to be looked at so teams like his don't need to keep going back and forth.