Former Springbok Bob Skinstad has hit out at Investec Champions Cup organisers, insisting that they are both harming the tournament and the South African teams.

The 48-year-old has also urged the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers to stand up for themselves and demand true change to a schedule which hampers their title chances.

No semi-finals or final in South Africa

South Africa have been unable to host any European semi-finals or final due to not being shareholders with the URC or EPCR.

Although the Bulls and Stormers did not reach that stage in the Champions Cup last season, the Sharks qualified for the Challenge Cup last-four where their game was hosted at Harlequins’ Twickenham Stoop.

It is uncertain what the arrangements will be for the 2024/25 campaign should any South African side make it that far, but Skinstad has been distinctly unimpressed by what has happened in the past.

“It can be incredibly frustrating, especially if we don’t have an agreed global season. Can you imagine if you are one of the commercial managers of the teams and the Sharks or someone and can’t host fixtures? Toulouse going to Durban was fantastic,” he told SportsBoom.

“Look, last week’s fixture was a loss for the Sharks but I mean for the fans to see some of the best players in the world coming from France, it’s the first time Antoine Dupont has been to South Africa in a while.

“These are highlight games, why can’t we get more of them? South African teams not being able to host these play-off games is hugely detrimental to the finances and the sustainability of the tournaments. I think it’s silly, for sure!”

SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer recently told the franchises to stop complaining about the scheduling, but Skinstad has urged them to do the opposite and be even louder.

In fact, the ex-Boks captain believes that the competition currently revolves around the wishes of the European teams and that the South African outfits are “bowing” to their demands.

South African teams ‘compromised more than anyone else’

“South African teams participating in European rugby is a good thing, it’s good for South Africa and Europe. I have said it numerous times and I am not going to change my opinion,” Skinstad said.

“Until we repair the scheduling, South African teams will be at a disadvantage, we have further to travel for away games… it’s just difficult.

“We also have the Currie Cup, which is happening almost at the same time. So, the sides have to divide their resources with the different competitions. Then compounding that with the scheduling, which is done to the advantage of the northern hemisphere teams for the Champions Cup.

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“I want us to play in the Champions Cup but I am not a fan of the [South African] teams bowing to the fact that the scheduling needs to happen in a certain manner. They have been compromised more than anyone else.”

With South African teams being forced to fly back and forth to Europe, they have often opted to play weakened teams in the Champions Cup.

That has been criticised by many but Skinstad believes that it is inevitable when they are so affected by the current rugby calendar.

“Coaches sometimes have to gamble, prioritising URC qualification for next season’s Champions Cup. It’s a tough situation compounded by an overlapping schedule. Until there’s a global season, this issue will persist,” he added.