Bristol Bears qualify for Champions Cup as Irish expelled
The Bears will replace London Irish in the 2023/24 tournament
The Bristol Bears WILL play in next season's Champions Cup despite not qualifying by regular means, as London Irish are expelled from the competition.
The organisers of the tournament, which is rugby's premier European competition, have announced the news this afternoon, with Irish suffering severe financial problems.
Earlier this week Irish were suspended from the English Premiership having failed to prove they have the adequate finances to manage the 2023/24 season.
The Bears had initially missed out on Champions Cup rugby on the final day of the season by an agonising margin.
Bath's victory over Saracens 61-29 saw them take the final qualifying spot at the Bears' expense.
However, with Irish's expulsion the Bears now take their spot as the next highest ranked side from the Premiership which had not already qualified.
"Following the RFU’s decision to suspend London Irish from all competitions, EPCR can clarify that regrettably, the club will not compete in the 2023/24 Champions Cup," a statement published on the Bears' website reads.
"As Bristol Bears are the highest-ranked club in the Gallagher Premiership league table at the conclusion of the regular season which did not qualify for the 2023/24 Champions Cup, they will now replace London Irish in next season’s tournament."
The formats for the 2023/24 Champions Cup, and the lower tier Challenge Cup will be announced shortly, as will pool draws for both tournaments.