The 'Quality Gap' in Rugby

Former England internationals have pointed out a significant 'gulf in quality' between Premiership clubs and Europe's rugby elite. A dismal weekend in the Champions Cup saw multiple English teams suffer heavy losses and get eliminated.

Ugo Monye, a former England and Harlequins player, stated that the comparatively lower salary caps for English clubs make it 'hard to compete'. He also mentioned that the English league's high competitiveness across the division leads to a lack of depth within squads.

Danny Care, another former England scrum-half, was highly impressed by Leinster, claiming they are 'better than Ireland'.

Monye suggested condensing the Champions Cup format and allowing Premiership teams more financial flexibility to recruit marquee players to bridge the gap.

Northampton Saints are the sole remaining Premiership representative in the quarter-finals this weekend.