EPCR clarify this weekend's extra time protocol

The EPCR have moved to clarify the extra details of extra time protocol, which could come into play in the Heineken Champions Cup second legs being played out this weekend.

The two-leg system - which is in its inaugural year - means that if both teams' aggregate scores are equal at the end of 80 minutes, then an extra time period is required.

"Ahead of this weekend’s decisive matches in the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 2nd leg and in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16, here is a reminder of the extra time protocol," the organisers said in a statement.

"If the aggregate scores are tied at full time in a Heineken Champions Cup 2nd leg match, and if the score is tied at full time in an EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 match, then 20 minutes (two periods of 10 minutes) of extra time will be played.

"If at the end of extra time the aggregate scores are still level in a Heineken Champions Cup 2nd leg match, then the winner will be the club which has scored the most tries in both legs of the Round of 16 (including extra time).

"If at the end of extra time the score is still level in an EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 match, then the winner will be the team which has scored the most tries in the match (including extra time).

"If in both instances the teams are still level on points and on tries at the end of extra time, then the winners will be determined by a place kick competition."

HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP quarter-finals – 6/7/8 May

The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home venue advantage.

QF 1: Racing 92 (A1) or Stade Francais Paris (B8) v Bristol Bears (B4) or Sale Sharks (A5)

QF 2: Harlequins (B2) or Montpellier Hérault Rugby (A7) v Stade Rochelais (A3) or Union Bordeaux-Bègles (B6)

QF 3: Ulster Rugby (A2) or Stade Toulousain (B7) v Munster Rugby (B3) or Exeter Chiefs (A6)

QF 4: Leicester Tigers (B1) or ASM Clermont Auvergne (A8) v Leinster Rugby (A4) or Connacht Rugby (B5)