The Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers will be able to play their Champions Cup round of 16 and quarterfinal games at home if they make it that far in the competition.
In a report by Irish publication The42, EPCR [European Professional Club Rugby] confirmed that the three South African teams will be able to play their round of 16 and quarterfinal matches at home.
The situation changes, however, when it comes to the semifinals, because even if a South African team is ranked higher than its opponent from the Northern Hemisphere, that match will still take place in Europe.
If two South African teams are drawn against each other in the final four, this situation “may be reviewed,” according to EPCR.
The Champions Cup final will be played at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
At the moment, the Sharks are the only South African team to have secured a place in the round of 16, having won all three of their group matches so far.
The Vodacom Bulls and Stormers have won two games each and can move into the playoffs with a win against Lyon and Clermont respectively next weekend.