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Champions Cup News

Uncover all the latest Investec Champions Cup news right here at RugbyPass. Whether you’ve watched a game and you’re waiting for a comprehensive play-by-play report or you’re eager to find out news about your team’s squad for the upcoming round of fixtures, you’ll find all the updates on this page. Keep scrolling to read all of the latest Champions Cup news.

Likely Champions Cup round of 16 draw will see Exeter visit Wasps, Radradra back at Bordeaux
6 Premiership, 6 Top 14 and four PRO14 teams are set to be involved in a knockout round of 16 to restart the stalled Champions Cup…
Liam Heagney
15 Jan 2021, 2:16
Premiership Rugby confirms revamped Champions Cup format after pool fixtures cancelled
The final two pool rounds of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup were called off due to health and safety concerns in France.
PA
14 Jan 2021, 8:34
Champions Cup and Challenge Cup seasons officially suspended by EPCR
EPCR say they remain committed to trying to find a solution which will enable it to resume and complete the tournaments.
Ciarán Kennedy
11 Jan 2021, 9:42
Champions Cup and Challenge Cup won't be abandoned if French teams pull out - EPCR boss
The French government are today expected to pull their teams from rounds three and four of the two competitions due to fresh Covid…
Ciarán Kennedy
11 Jan 2021, 4:43
'We've got to create space': Premiership bosses want games moved forward if European fixtures called off
Rob Baxter and Pat Lam believe that Gallagher Premiership games should be moved forward if necessary to free up fixture schedule s…
PA
10 Jan 2021, 17:17
Final rounds of Champions Cup pool games to be postponed
The final two Champions Cup pool fixture rounds were due to be played on successive January weekend but the French ministry have i…
AAP
09 Jan 2021, 6:05
French clubs to learn European fate on Saturday after crunch talks
Decisions on continued participation in the Heineken Champions and Challenge Cups could have implications for the Six Nations.
PA
08 Jan 2021, 11:45
Calling a halt to the Champions Cup seems like common sense - Andy Goode
The French clubs and government have thrown the future of this season’s Champions Cup into doubt and if we’re honest, they hav…
Andy Goode
08 Jan 2021, 8:34
French government intervention threatens next weekend's Champions and Challenge Cup matches
French clubs were not happy with a number of situations that developed in last month's Champions and Challenge Cup fixtures.
Online Editors
08 Jan 2021, 4:16
New ground set to be broken as unknown Georgian referee handed plum round three Champions Cup tie
Boundaries will be pushed back next weekend in European when an unknown Georgian referee takes charge of a Champions Cup game in P…
Online Editors
06 Jan 2021, 5:21
Defending champions Exeter react to drastic call from France to cancel this season's Champions Cup
Exeter are hoping to welcome Toulouse to Sandy Park this month but there are calls elsewhere in France to scrap the 2020/21 Champi…
Liam Heagney
06 Jan 2021, 4:31
EPCR statement: Covid-19 protocols review
The EPCR have held a meeting to discuss their Covid-19 protocols, hot on the heels of rumblings from France suggesting a number of…
Online Editors
04 Jan 2021, 10:11
Lyon's Bastareaud suffers season-ending knee injury
The 32-year-old was forced off 15 minutes into Lyon's 12-8 Top 14 defeat to Brive on Sunday.
Online Editors
28 Dec 2020, 9:19
Montpellier fullback Henry Immelman banned for red card hit on Wasp
Montpellier full back Henry Immelman has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing by video con…
Online Editors
24 Dec 2020, 1:33
'I'd really love if Maro Itoje came to the Chiefs': The international stars that NZ coaches would bring to Super Rugby
South Africa's and Argentina's absences from Super Rugby in 2021 removes some of the competition's international flavour, but some…
Online Editors
21 Dec 2020, 16:08
Kurtley Beale's outrageous Champions Cup stats and other factoids
The cream is rising to the top in Europe following two rounds of the Champions Cup which, despite cancellations, has seen some exc…
Online Editors
21 Dec 2020, 4:10
'Seeing a teammate getting the abuse I'm seeing on Twitter is ridiculous' - Connacht prop defends his captain
Connacht prop Paddy McAllister has jumped to the defence of his captain - Paul Boyle - who has been criticised online following hi…
Online Editors
21 Dec 2020, 3:51
Aki binned as Connacht fail to topple Pat Lam's Bristol Bears
Pat Lam had a happy return to the Sportsground as his Bristol side bagged a 27-18 Heineken Champions Cup bonus-point win over Conn…
PA
20 Dec 2020, 12:38
'We were off in the warm-up' - Gustard felt something was wrong with Harlequins prior to kick-off
Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard will investigate the reasons why his players were off the pace during the warm-up for their …
PA
20 Dec 2020, 10:52
'The most naturally gifted flyhalf in world rugby' - Plaudits flood in for Racing star Russell
The virtuoso performance put on by Racing 92 flyhalf Finn Russell has seen a deluge of plaudits rain in for the Scotland star.
Ian Cameron
20 Dec 2020, 10:23
Harlequins suffer Champions Cup thumping at hands of Racing 92
Harlequins’ hopes of making an impression on the Champions Cup campaign came to a brutal end as they were crushed 49-7 by Racing…
PA
20 Dec 2020, 9:39
Sam Parry posts gruesome image of injury that saw him needing nearly 20 stitches
Ospreys hooker Sam Parry has posted social media images of a gruesome-looking leg injury sustained playing against Worcester Warri…
Ian Cameron
20 Dec 2020, 6:57
Toulon's bitter statement: We were forced into 'heartbreaking decision'
Toulon have claimed that they were forced to back out of their Heineken Champions Cup clash and say they are filled with 'bitterne…
Online Editors
20 Dec 2020, 2:06
'That's what I keep telling the players': Edinburgh finally taking in the message from head coach Cockerill
Mark Bennett’s converted try and three penalties from Jaco Van Der Walt snatched the win from Sale, whose scores came from Denny…
PA
19 Dec 2020, 20:44
'Two players hadn't played senior professional rugby before'
Dragons head coach Dean Ryan was forced to give two players their first taste of senior professional rugby in the cauldron of a He…
PA
19 Dec 2020, 18:43
'Lions Test 8 at the moment': Munster fans ecstatic with Stander's performance in all-time great European win
Three turnovers from Irish loose forward CJ Stander helped Munster turn the tide and reverse a 19-point deficit as they downed Cle…
Online Editors
19 Dec 2020, 16:15
Argentine star Santiago Cordero claims hat-trick as Bordeaux ease past Dragons
Coming on top of their 24-8 home defeat in the opening round against Wasps, it means the Welsh region are unlikely to progress, wh…
PA
19 Dec 2020, 15:04
What coach Johann Van Graan said to his Munster team at halftime before massive comeback at Clermont
The Irish province were 28-9 down against a rampant Clermont Auvergne side after first-half scores from Alivereti Raka, Damian Pen…
PA
19 Dec 2020, 14:51
Edinburgh stun Sale with dramatic comeback victory
Edinburgh produced an excellent comeback from 12 points down to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive following a 16-15 triumph ove…
PA
19 Dec 2020, 13:57
'A player leaving under any circumstances can always be a distraction... but they have got on with the job'
Gloucester had to quickly adjust to life without Danny Cipriani as their game against Ulster came four days after he quit the King…
PA
19 Dec 2020, 11:39
It's now 13 defeats in a row for Northampton, but Chris Boyd hasn't lost all hope yet
It's August 22 since Northampton last won a match, but Chris Boyd hasn't lost all hope yet in his Saints despite latest defeat at …
Liam Heagney
19 Dec 2020, 11:05
Bloodied Gloucester make dramatic winning start to life after Cipriani
Danny Cipriani quit Gloucester last Tuesday and their first match since his exit was a Champions Cup roller coaster versus visitin…
PA
19 Dec 2020, 10:27
Scarlets awarded 28-0 win following Toulon's refusal to play this weekend
Toulon refused to get on the bus to their game on Friday at Scarlets, leaving Champions Cup officials to determine a result in the…
Online Editors
19 Dec 2020, 9:00
'I don't see Tom Wood as a dirty player necessarily': Leinster react to incident with van der Flier
The main talking point with Leo Cullen in Dublin after Leinster defeated Northampton was Tom Wood's breakdown tackle on Josh van d…
Liam Heagney
19 Dec 2020, 8:31
Northampton lose yet again but the margin wasn't the rout predicted for bonus-earning Leinster
It was always expected Northampton would give second best to Leinster in Dublin but they went down fighting after a very slow star…
Liam Heagney
19 Dec 2020, 7:13
'He says he wants to play centre and I'm not sure whether he's joking or not'
Young Alfie Barbeary is supposed to be a hooker but his ability to play other positions currently knows no bounds at Wasps.
Online Editors
19 Dec 2020, 2:24
'This the first time we have played against each other since backyard rugby'
The van der Merwe brothers, 29-year-old Akker and 25-year-old Duhan, are set for a reunion when Sale host Edinburgh on Saturday ni…
Chris Jones
19 Dec 2020, 1:35
Young Alfie Barbeary to the fore as Wasps see off 14-man Montpellier
Wasps rested a raft of their international players but they had too much for 14-man Montpellier with the likes of Alfie Barbeary o…
PA
18 Dec 2020, 14:26
Andrew Brace brandishes red card just seven minutes into his latest Anglo-French fixture
Referee Andrew Brace was in the eye of an England-France Nations Cup final storm and he was quickly centre of attention again on F…
Liam Heagney
18 Dec 2020, 12:53
Bath, Glasgow and defending champions Exeter all handed 28-0 defeats after round two cancellations
Virus outbreaks have led to EPCR taking draconian action against Bath, Glasgow and Exeter following Champions Cup round two cancel…
Liam Heagney
18 Dec 2020, 10:25
European game at Scarlets is off as Toulon fail to turn up after travelling to Wales
A fourth round two match in the Champions Cup has been called off after Toulon refused to turn up at Scarlets on Friday night.
Liam Heagney
18 Dec 2020, 9:21
Chris Boyd follows through on promise, making 8 changes for Northampton trip to Leinster
Chris Boyd said he would likely send a much-changed Northampton XV to Leinster and that is what he has done despite a 12-game losi…
Online Editors
18 Dec 2020, 4:30
Champions Cup plunged into further chaos as La Rochelle vs Bath becomes third game to be cancelled
Stuart Hooper's Bath were due to play La Rochelle in France this weekend but that Champions Cup round two match has now been cance…
Online Editors
17 Dec 2020, 12:26
Glasgow fans fear 'unfair' Champions Cup cancellation punishment
Fans of Glasgow Warriors fear they could be undeservedly punished following the cancellation of their Champions Cup game versus Ly…
Josh Raisey
17 Dec 2020, 7:03
Wasps 'rest' 4 internationals for the visit of Montpellier
Wasps went all out with their Champions Cup XV at Dragons but Joe Launchbury is among those on the missing list to face Montpellie…
Online Editors
17 Dec 2020, 5:35
Paul Gustard responds to Munster's inflammatory 'late hits' accusation
Munster were fuming on Sunday over alleged deliberate Harlequins tactics: Paul Gustard has now responded to the inflammatory accus…
Liam Heagney
16 Dec 2020, 11:54
'It was a little bit scary' - Paul Deacon on filling the Sale shoes of the texting Steve Diamond
Life after Dimes at Sale wasn't something Paul Deacon thought he would ever have to experience but he has now done a week as caret…
Liam Heagney
16 Dec 2020, 11:02
Exeter's European title defence suffers major blow as pair of round two matches cancelled
Exeter began their Champions Cup title defence in wonderful fashion last weekend but a sudden stop has now been put to their gallo…
Online Editors
16 Dec 2020, 6:54
'The headaches are horrible... really nasty': Alex Lozowski had Steve Thompson in his thoughts when recently recovering from concussion
Exiled England midfielder Alex Lozowski recently had his first experience of concussion and it was traumatic for the Montpellier p…
Chris Jones
16 Dec 2020, 5:24
'Oh my Bastareaud, have you seen the size of him at No8?'
The Rugby Pod couldn't allow the Champions Cup impact of Mathieu Bastareaud for Lyon last Sunday to pass without discussion.
Liam Heagney
15 Dec 2020, 8:51
'Although you do have to rest your internationals, when you hear that European music you want to play'
Reintegrating Test players for Champions Cup action has been a tricky balancing act for clubs suggests Wasps boss Lee Blackett.
Chris Jones
15 Dec 2020, 4:23
Lions prop encourages ambitious Scottish players to leave Scotland
Wright was speaking after both Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors made losing starts to their Heineken Champions Cup campaigns.
Online Editors
14 Dec 2020, 3:04
'It was quite clearly a tactic to hit him late' - Van Graan hits out at Quins' treatment of Healy
The 21-year-old fly-half is an injury doubt for Saturday’s trip to Clermont Auvergne after shipping a couple of late hits agains…
PA
14 Dec 2020, 1:23
Cards fly in Limerick as Munster capitalise on Harlequins back row indiscipline
Munster made Harlequins pay for a lack of discipline as they ran out 21-7 winners in difficult conditions in their Heineken Champi…
PA
13 Dec 2020, 11:57
'We've got Bristol to look forward to ' - Pat Lam's old team want Bears scalp
Connacht head coach Andy Friend believes his side have a massive opportunity to beat Bristol next weekend.
PA
13 Dec 2020, 11:42
Hepher likens Exeter's European trajectory to Leinster and Saracens dynasties
Exeter head coach Ali Hepher is relishing “a fantastic opportunity” to tackle French giants Toulouse in a mouthwatering Heinek…
PA
13 Dec 2020, 11:32
Connacht push Racing 92 all the way in Paris
Connacht claimed a losing bonus point as they were defeated 26-22 by Racing 92 in their Heineken Champions Cup opener in Paris.
PA
13 Dec 2020, 10:14
Exeter launch Champions Cup defence with crushing defeat of Glasgow
Exeter launched their defence of the Heineken Champions Cup by crushing Glasgow 42-0 at Sandy Park.
PA
13 Dec 2020, 9:45
Injury-hit Gloucester monstered by Lyon
Gloucester conceded the most points in their Heineken Champions Cup history as they started the new campaign with a 55-10 hammerin…
PA
13 Dec 2020, 7:52
Wasps boss Blackett left fuming over EPCR handling of imperiled Dragons match
Wasps head coach Lee Blackett revealed his side were not made aware that their Heineken Champions Cup opponents Dragons had return…
PA
13 Dec 2020, 3:33
'I think the lads did Steve proud. He put this squad together. Hopefully he was watching and enjoyed it'
Sale head coach Paul Deacon said his team had done former director of rugby Steve Diamond proud after they ended a tumultuous week…
PA
13 Dec 2020, 2:49
Sam Parry double helps Ospreys to dominant victory over Castres
Two tries from hooker Sam Parry helped Ospreys to a dominant victory over Castres in their opening match of the European Rugby Cha…
PA
12 Dec 2020, 13:37
'Buried a few demons for him' - Leo Cullen on Dan Leavy coming full circle on his return to European Rugby
The former Ireland flanker suffered a horrific injury in the quarter-final against Ulster in Dublin in his previous European outin…
PA
12 Dec 2020, 13:11
'That was pretty disrespectful' - Wasps hooker's unconventional try celebration raises hackles online
Tom Cruse took try celebrations to a whole different place against the Dragons today in the Heineken Champions Cup, raising eyebro…
Ian Cameron
12 Dec 2020, 12:24
Late tries help Wasps secure victory over Dragons in their Champions Cup opener
Wasps finished their first outing in this year’s Heineken Champions Cup in style as late tries secured them a 24-8 bonus point w…
PA
12 Dec 2020, 12:02
Leinster make European statement with away win in Montpellier
Leinster got their Heineken Champions Cup campaign off to a perfect start with a five-try win in Montpellier.
PA
12 Dec 2020, 11:46
Bok worry as Etzebeth injured playing for Toulon
Toulon secondrow Eben Etzebeth failed to return to the field after sustaining a head injury playing for the French side in their H…
Online Editors
12 Dec 2020, 11:17
Sale begin life after Steve Diamond with defeat to Toulon
Sale started the week by losing director of rugby Steve Diamond and ended it with a 26-14 defeat at the hands of Toulon in their H…
PA
12 Dec 2020, 10:20
Leigh Halfpenny masterclass consigns Bath to home defeat to Scarlets
The Welshmen were inspired by full-back Leigh Halfpenny who kicked three penalties and two conversions to keep his side within tou…
PA
12 Dec 2020, 10:06
'We are not are not overawed by this tournament' - Pat Lam reacts to 89 point thriller
Pat Lam admitted that Bristol were ruthlessly punished for their mistakes after French heavyweights Clermont Auvergne floored his …
PA
12 Dec 2020, 9:02
EPCR statement: Dragons versus Wasps
Today's Dragons versus Wasps match will go ahead, despite two members of Dragons' Heineken Cup squad testing positive for Covid-19…
Online Editors
12 Dec 2020, 8:40
Bristol out-gunned by Clermont on return to top tier of European rugby
Bristol were given a masterclass by Clermont Auvergne on their return to top-flight European rugby as the French heavyweights powe…
PA
12 Dec 2020, 7:23
Video - Kolbe inflicts sidestepping 'Groundhog Day' on Jacob Stockdale
Ulster Jacob Stockdale must be sick of the sight of Cheslin Kolble, the Toulouse winger who now surely stalks the Ulsterman's drea…
Ian Cameron
12 Dec 2020, 3:59
Chris Boyd insists execution is Northampton's problem, not a lack of confidence
Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd refused to accept that his side were lacking in confidence after they fell to their 11th …
PA
11 Dec 2020, 21:18
Ulster coach Dan McFarland left frustrated by Toulouse defeat
Ulster coach Dan McFarland bemoaned his side’s wasted opportunities and the conceding of “soft tries” after they opened thei…
PA
11 Dec 2020, 21:10
Leicester leave it late to secure opening bonus-point victory over Brive
Three tries in the final 20 minutes helped Leicester to a bonus-point win over Brive in their opening match of the European Rugby …
PA
11 Dec 2020, 15:20
Kolbe stars as Ulster suffer home defeat to Toulouse in Champions Cup opener
A brace of tries from Cheslin Kolbe helped Toulouse open their Heineken Champions Cup campaign with a rare win in Belfast.
PA
11 Dec 2020, 15:11
'There has to be consequences for trolls': Zebo responds to appalling abuse directed at Andrew Brace
Racing 92’s Simon Zebo has said that “there has to be consequences for trolls” after referee Andrew Brace was withdrawn from…
Josh Raisey
11 Dec 2020, 8:56
The bookies' four favourites for the Champions Cup and other talking points
The Heineken Champions Cup will see teams from three leagues – Gallagher Premiership, Guinness PRO14 and French Top 14 – battl…
PA
11 Dec 2020, 6:05
Report: Super Rugby's best set to take on elite European clubs in proposed club world championship
Top clubs and franchises from the northern and southern hemispheres could be in line to square off against one another in a world …
Online Editors
10 Dec 2020, 16:17
Andrew Brace withdrawn from refereeing duty in France over personal abuse
Andrew Brace has been removed from Heineken Champions Cup duty in France next weekend due to the personal abuse he was subjected t…
Ian Cameron
10 Dec 2020, 10:31
Leicester Tigers to unleash Puma Moroni against Brive
Leicester Tigers are set to debut Los Pumas centre Matias Moroni in Friday's Challenge Cup match at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Online Editors
10 Dec 2020, 7:13
Northampton Saints welcome back trio of internationals
Northampton Saints have welcomed back a trio of internationals into their starting XV for Friday evening’s visit of Bordeaux-Bè…
Online Editors
10 Dec 2020, 5:38
Full English - Newcastle Falcons name XV entirely made up of EQPs
Newcastle Falcons have named an all-English-qualified starting XV for Friday’s European Rugby Challenge Cup visit of Cardiff Blu…
Online Editors
10 Dec 2020, 4:46
Bristol to lodge formal complaint with World Rugby over Fiji's treatment of Semi Radradra
The centre is set to miss Bristol’s opening two Heineken Champions Cup games after suffering a leg injury on international duty.
PA
09 Dec 2020, 5:20
'I can't say for certain this won't affect the team' - Players 'numb' after Diamond's shock Sale exit
Paul Deacon has been put in temporary charge as head coach at Sale and would like the chance to make the job permanent.
Chris Jones
09 Dec 2020, 4:38
'When you see a Leinster third string team putting 50 points on Zebre, you'd certainly welcome the South African teams'
Former Munster scrum-half Peter Stringer says the Pro14 has too many one-sided games and will benefit from the addition of the Sou…
Ciarán Kennedy
08 Dec 2020, 11:49
Mixed news on the injury front for Leinster as squad reassemble for trip to Montpellier
A number of key players are facing a race against time to be passed fit for Leinster's opening Heineken Champions Cup fixture.
Ciarán Kennedy
07 Dec 2020, 7:09
Exeter begin Champions Cup title defence at home to Glasgow, 2020/21 pool fixtures confirmed
The fixtures for the newly formatted 2020/21 Champions Cup have been confirmed, with holders Exeter starting at home to Glasgow. …
Online Editors
13 Nov 2020, 7:26
The most confusing Champions Cup pool draw ever has taken place... and new champions Exeter have it all to do
The 2020/21 Champions Cup has a 24-team, two-pool format that has left new champions Exeter with quite a challenge to keep the tro…
Online Editors
28 Oct 2020, 8:40
'That high tackle on Juan Imhoff, he nearly takes his head off, that's a red card'
Exeter were crowned Champions Cup champions last Saturday Racing full-back Simon Zebo has taken issue with a Henry Slade tackle.
Liam Heagney
22 Oct 2020, 10:16
'Jonny Gray was quite disappointed... he was sitting next to us and didn't get in the photo'
A picture of old Scottish pals Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell went viral in the way of Exeter's European final win over Racing last …
Liam Heagney
20 Oct 2020, 6:52
'Iribaren could be their man of the match' - Fans shocked at Racing halfback's Champions Cup final performance
Despite Iribaren's nightmare opening stanza, Racing were able to hit back each and every time Exeter were able to score with misse…
Online Editors
17 Oct 2020, 16:04
'It was a horrible game to watch... and that last 14 minutes went on forever'
Saturday was the greatest day in the history of Exeter Chiefs but winning coach Rob Baxter wasn't happy with how his team played t…
PA
17 Oct 2020, 13:57
Champions Cup final's bizarre end: Referee Owens has feisty exchange with his TMO
Exeter were crowned first-time Champions Cup winners on Saturday evening but it took a while for Nigel Owens to blow his final whi…
Liam Heagney
17 Oct 2020, 13:29
Exeter player ratings vs Racing
Here's how Rob Baxter's Exeter players rated in a spectacular, high-scoring Champions Cup final win against Racing in Bristol.
Liam Heagney
17 Oct 2020, 12:17
Exeter edge spectacular eight-try Champions Cup final thriller against Racing
Exeter won a thrilling Champions Cup final against Racing, a spectacular contest that had eight tries and ended with just four poi…
PA
17 Oct 2020, 10:56
Video: Exeter needed just eight minutes to score trademark maul try in first European final
Exeter got off to a flyer in their first-ever Champions Cup final, scoring a maul try after eight minutes against Racing and leadi…
Online Editors
17 Oct 2020, 9:54
Roberts and Hartley divided over who will succeed Saracens as Champions Cup winners
With all eyes on the Champions Cup final between Exeter and Racing, RugbyPass Offload hosts Roberts and Hartley disagree over who …
Online Editors
17 Oct 2020, 5:20
The clinical August moment which convinced Rob Baxter his Exeter would challenge for two trophies in October
Exeter are ready for European and Premiership finals on successive Saturdays, something Rob Baxter was convinced in August could h…
Liam Heagney
17 Oct 2020, 4:25
'This academy kid who couldn't speak French, couldn't speak English, dropped into training and carved everyone up... he made all look like idiots'
Jamie Roberts spent two seasons at Racing and he has vivid memories of players like Virimi Vakatawa ahead of Saturday's Champions …
Liam Heagney
17 Oct 2020, 3:04
Racing name Champions Cup final team, 3 changes from win over Saracens
Fears that virus tests could affect the Racing Champions Cup XV versus Exeter have proven unfounded as they have picked 12 starter…
Online Editors
16 Oct 2020, 4:31
Exeter change two for Champions Cup final, recall fit-again Nowell
Rob Baxter has tinkered with his Exeter backline for Saturday's Champions Cup final, making two changes from the Premiership semi-…
Online Editors
16 Oct 2020, 4:11
Jamie Roberts reckons an Exeter 'weakness' running off 9 can help Racing to Euro glory
This Saturday's Champions Cup final is full of tactical intrigue and Jamie Roberts claims to have spotted a potential Exeter 'weak…
Liam Heagney
15 Oct 2020, 11:18
'Maybe I'll play with my left foot this weekend to try and throw him off a little bit'
Great Scottish pals Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg haven't played against each other since U-14s but that changes with this Saturday…
PA
15 Oct 2020, 2:39
Champions Cup final going ahead after Racing get Covid all-clear
There were fears for the Champions Cup final after 9 Racing players tested positive for Covid but the illness has now cleared and …
PA
15 Oct 2020, 0:37
'I was sat in the toilet and had an emotional breakdown': Hartley's nightmare Champions Cup final concussion
It's nine years since Northampton lost an epic Champions Cup final to Leinster, a defeat that left a horrible memory for Dylan Har…
Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2020, 12:29
Exeter issue Covid testing all-clear after 5am Wednesday start
Staff at Exeter were up as early as 5am on Wednesday morning as the results of the latest round of Covid testing arrived ahead of …
Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2020, 5:24
Baxter gives update on Nowell and other Exeter walking wounded
Jack Nowell hasn't played since a September 26 foot injury but Rob Baxter has confirmed he is back in the Exeter mix for Saturday'…
Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2020, 4:57
Saracens' twice double winner Barritt on what will it take Exeter to win double
Exeter winning the European/Premiership double would be a huge feat... just ask Brad Barritt who did it twice with Saracens and lo…
Chris Jones
13 Oct 2020, 11:44
Match referee Nigel Owens has had his say on Saturday's Exeter vs Racing final
Saturday will be the seventh Champions Cup final Nigel Owens will take charge of and he set the scene on Tuesday on Irish breakfas…
Liam Heagney
13 Oct 2020, 11:29
Racing have scored 7 tries from kick returns, Exeter have scored 7 following a tap penalty...
The eighth Anglo-French Champions Cup final is set to be an entertaining affair next Saturday between Racing and Exeter in Bristol…
Online Editors
13 Oct 2020, 5:03
From back-to-back Top 14 relegations to coaching a Racing attack that is the envy of Europe: the remarkable fall and rise of Mike Prendergast
It's quite the transformation for Mike Prendergast, the ex-Munster player going from coaching successive Top 14 relegations to a g…
Liam Heagney
11 Oct 2020, 4:14
'Other than playing U14s, I don't think I have ever played against Finn - back then he had a leopard-print haircut!'
Next Saturday in Bristol is a day when Scottish rugby fans will revel in seeing Stuart Hogg go up against Finn Russell as Exeter t…
PA
11 Oct 2020, 0:55
It's 7-up for Owens as he gets Champions Cup final nod
Nigel Owens was kicking his heels in Wales for last month's Champions Cup quarter-finals, but he is now back in favour and will ta…
Online Editors
06 Oct 2020, 5:04
EPCR issues statement after entire Racing 92 squad forced into isolation
Preparations for the October 17 Champions Cup final have been hampered by nine Racing 92 people testing positive for coronavirus.
PA
01 Oct 2020, 11:53
Exeter react to Covid outbreak at Racing, their Champions Cup final rivals
Exeter boss Rob Baxter has reacted following the revelation that 9 people at Racing are positive for Covid-19 16 days before the C…
Online Editors
01 Oct 2020, 5:43
The key stats separating the European player of the year award contenders
Virimi Vakatawa of Racing is one contender with eye-catching Champions Cup statistics in the European player of the year award sho…
Josh Raisey
30 Sep 2020, 11:04
'Sunday morning, I was a bit of a mess': How Tony Rowe celebrated Exeter's breathtaking European success
Last Saturday was a day Tony Rowe had long dreamed of achieving at Exeter but he felt lonely without any fans and took matters int…
Liam Heagney
30 Sep 2020, 4:12
Bristol favourite Radradra heads 5-strong European player of the year award shortlist
Challenge Cup players don't usually make the European player of the year shortlist, but Semi Radradra has been on fire for Bristol…
Online Editors
29 Sep 2020, 7:42
The metres Radradra averaged over 22 carries against Bordeaux and 9 other stats
Semi Radradra certainly didn't take it easy on his former club - Bordeaux Begles - when Bristol Bears met them in the semi-final o…
Online Editors
28 Sep 2020, 6:56
Wallabies forced to assess player options for Rugby Championship following injury to offshore star
The Wallabies will look to Plan B for the Rugby Championship after one of their European stars fractured his forearm while playing…
AAP
27 Sep 2020, 17:45
'We've got internationals pretty much everywhere now' - Exeter's high-powered attack key as they chase a historic double to join the revered list of English clubs
Exeter captain Joe Simmonds says there will be no let-up from the Chiefs as they continue their relentless pursuit of a domestic a…
PA
27 Sep 2020, 15:33
'If you want to be a Saracens player and you p*** about in the Championship you will not be a Saracens player for the next 10 years'
Richard Wigglesworth has urged his Saracens team-mates not to treat life in the Championship next season with contempt following t…
PA
27 Sep 2020, 14:09
Did the Rugby Pod correctly predict this weekend's Champions Cup matches?
The Rugby Pod predicted the Champions Cup semi-finals results this week as Racing 92 took on Saracens and Toulouse battled Exeter …
Rugby Pod
27 Sep 2020, 2:37
Nemani Nadolo's hot-streak extension not enough as Tigers say au revoir to silverware chances
Leicester were unable to prevent Toulon from reaching their sixth European final as the French side ran out 34-19 winners at Stade…
PA
26 Sep 2020, 13:46
'What is the best way of fatiguing a big guy? You stick him on the floor and get him to get up'
Exeter boss Rob Baxter has hailed the buy-in from his players into the 80-minute plan he formulated to leave Toulouse out of gas i…
PA
26 Sep 2020, 12:43
Nigel Owens lauded for refusing to put up with loophole that's annoyed so many fans
Referee Nigel Owens has been widely praised for cracking down on Racing 92 for the practice of caterpillar rucking, a tactic that'…
Ian Cameron
26 Sep 2020, 10:54
Exeter in dreamland as they floor French heavyweights Toulouse
With Toulouse failing to score a point between the 36th and 76th minutes, Exeter made hay at Sandy Park to reach their first-ever …
PA
26 Sep 2020, 9:47
'A lot of people have talked rubbish about us... if you're telling me we're breaking the salary cap that's an interesting one'
Saracens forward Jamie George has hit at critics of the club following their heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Racing 92 at La …
PA
26 Sep 2020, 9:38
Video: Racing's 'absolutely stunning score' created by the genius of Finn Russell
Racing were heading for a Champions Cup semi-final defeat in Paris when Finn Russell opened up his box of tricks to catch out Sara…
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2020, 8:47
'I don't know if you can find a more heroic captain, leader and figure in the European game'
Semi-final defeat to Racing ended the stellar Champions Cup career of Brad Barritt and Brian O'Driscoll paid the Saracens stalwart…
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2020, 7:55
9 must-know facts before Racing welcome defending champions Saracens to Paris
Paris La Defense Arena will stage this Saturday's mouthwatering Champions Cup semi-final between Racing 92 and defending champions…
Online Editors
26 Sep 2020, 2:32
10 things to know before Exeter host Toulouse at Sandy Park
Sandy Park will host Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup semi-final between Exeter Chiefs, the English Premiership leaders, and Fren…
Online Editors
26 Sep 2020, 2:31
Mako Vunipola has paid Vincent Koch the ultimate compliment
Mako Vunipola and Vincent Koch will look to repeat their set-piece heroics of Dublin in Paris on Saturday when Saracens play Racin…
Liam Heagney
26 Sep 2020, 0:55
'I love visiting restaurants with Cheslin because you're more than likely to get a couple of drinks or a meal free with it'
Jerome Kaino is an All Blacks World Cup winner but the popularity of clubmate Cheslin Kolbe, the Springboks World Cup winner, know…
Liam Heagney
25 Sep 2020, 10:35
Man of the match Vermeulen missing from Exeter's semi-final XV
Jacques Vermeulen was too hot for Northampton to handle las Sunday but he is not in the Exeter XV to face Toulouse in Saturday's C…
Online Editors
25 Sep 2020, 5:15
Saracens and Racing name their semi-final teams
Defending champions Saracens and Racing 92 have named their teams ahead of Saturday's massive Champions Cup semi-final in Paris. …
Online Editors
25 Sep 2020, 4:30
Cheslin Kolbe's startling revelation about the origin of his mesmerising sidestep
Having made a career from leaving opponents grasping at thin air, Cheslin Kolbe has revealed the origin of his trademark South Afr…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2020, 14:00
'It came as a bit of a shock': Michael Rhodes' reaction after he learned he was cited this week
It was Monday, two days after the Saracens glory in Dublin, that Michael Rhodes learned he was being cited and could miss next Sat…
Liam Heagney
24 Sep 2020, 2:57
'You can't run businesses on zero finance'
Competing for trophies with no fans present hasn't been easy for Exeter and Rob Baxter, who sits on their board, knows that better…
PA
23 Sep 2020, 7:44
'Racing have a big pack with Finn Russell pulling the strings, so they have some X-factor'
Having knocked out Leinster, Finn Russell and the X-factor he gives Racing is the next European challenge facing Elliot Daly and S…
PA
23 Sep 2020, 5:31
Michael Rhodes cleared to play in Saracens' semi-final in Paris
Saracens feared losing Michael Rhodes to suspension following last weekend's win at Leinster but he has been cleared to face Racin…
Online Editors
22 Sep 2020, 14:37
Saracens dare to deliver what England failed to do after beating the All Blacks
England failed to back up last year's seismic win over the All Blacks but Mark McCall has every belief Saracens can beat Racing af…
Chris Jones
22 Sep 2020, 10:22
Owens nets Champions Cup semi-final gig after idle quarter-finals weekend
Nigel Owens made do with his farm in Wales after being left off the Champions Cup quarter-final roster but the referee is now reca…
Online Editors
22 Sep 2020, 3:22
Saracens flanker Michael Rhodes cited for head butt, but it wasn't the Sexton tackle
Saracens flanker Michael Rhodes has been cited for head butting during his side's quarter-final victory over Leinster at the Aviva…
Ian Cameron
21 Sep 2020, 10:02
'The final scoreline feels a little odd in a way, but in any Premiership game you would take that'
Exeter boss Rob Baxter is relishing the “fantastic” prospect of a Heineken Champions Cup semi-final against French heavyweight…
PA
21 Sep 2020, 4:59
'I hate almost everything that Saracens stand for' - Former Leinster flyhalf not a fan of McCall's men
Former Ireland, Munster and Leinster flyhalf Tony Ward has said he 'hates everything Saracens stand for' whilst admitting begrudgi…
Ian Cameron
21 Sep 2020, 2:34
'Where is Stockdale? He was average at best... Man, he was poor'
Former Ireland and Leinster backrow Shane Jennings has shredded Jacob Stochdale's performance in Ulster's Heineken Champions Cup q…
Ian Cameron
20 Sep 2020, 9:29
Video - 'You must defend in twos' - Cheslin Kolbe shreds Ulster with more scintillating footwork
Cheslin Kolbe gave the credit to his team-mates after his starring role in Toulouse’s Heineken Champions Cup win over Ulster.
PA
20 Sep 2020, 7:53
It's the Cheslin Kolbe show as Toulouse end Ulster's European adventure
Ulster crashed out of the Heineken Champions Cup to Toulouse, a week after losing to Leinster in the PRO14 final.
PA
20 Sep 2020, 7:02
Leinster's shattered invincibility was bruising wake-up call after PRO14 cakewalk
How Leinster came up second best to Saracens was a bruising reminder that the PRO14 doesn't deliver the intensity necessary for Ch…
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2020, 3:11
'A lot of people have been scared to say what Dylan said in his book - people needed to hear that'
The crippling toll rugby took on Dylan Hartley has left its mark on Teimana Harrison, the Northampton skipper plucked from Rotorua…
Liam Heagney
20 Sep 2020, 2:19
'After almost 10 months straight of rugby, I blew out... but I'm down to 146kgs today'
Ben Tameifuna landed himself in hot water with Racing after the World Cup but he now has his weight under control at new club Bord…
Jamie Lyall
20 Sep 2020, 0:40
Sergio Parisse try earns Toulon victory in hard-fought battle with Scarlets
Sergio Parisse scored the try that broke the hearts of the Scarlets and condemned them to yet another defeat in Toulon.
PA
20 Sep 2020, 0:34
Racing 92 see off Clermont to set up Saracens clash in Champions Cup
Racing 92 advanced to a Heineken Champions Cup semi-final against Saracens as they saw off Clermont Auvergne 36-27 at Stade Marcel…
PA
19 Sep 2020, 12:44
People are concerned about Romain Poite's cough
It's not often that someone's cough trends on Twitter, but in the topsy turvy world of the pandemic, that's where referee Romain P…
Ian Cameron
19 Sep 2020, 11:49
How Twitter reacted to Saracens' Champions Cup win over Leinster 'invincibles'
Saracens have provided Leinster and Europe a savage reminder of their abilities with a resounding win at the Aviva Stadium in the …
Ian Cameron
19 Sep 2020, 9:36
'There is no reason, especially when you look at their squad, that they can't make something happen on the day'
Rob Baxter is targeting Exeter’s “biggest performance of the season” when they face Heineken Champions Cup opponents Northam…
PA
19 Sep 2020, 8:49
'They were better than us and they have a massive squad physically and numbers wise'
Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill bemoaned an error-strewn opening 10 minutes from his team as they were knocked out of the E…
PA
19 Sep 2020, 8:35
Leicester versus Castres cancelled, Tigers proceed to Challenge Cup semi-final
The Leicester Tigers versus Castres Olympique Challenge Cup quarter-final match has been cancelled after too many Castres players …
Online Editors
19 Sep 2020, 7:52
Edinburgh fall as Bordeaux-Begles advance into Challenge Cup semi-finals
Bordeaux-Begles set up a European Challenge Cup semi-final with Bristol Bears after reaching the last four for the first time in t…
PA
19 Sep 2020, 6:56
'Cheat mode' - 60m Semi Radradra try lights up Challenge Cup
Bristol Bears star Semi Radradra demonstrated his devastating pace and power to score a beautiful try against the Dragons in the C…
Online Editors
19 Sep 2020, 3:03
Rob Baxter's comments haven't covered him in glory - Andy Goode
Much of the talk ahead of the European quarter-finals has been about front row red tape, which isn’t a good look for the game, a…
Andy Goode
19 Sep 2020, 1:28
'You can't keep a trophy if you're proven to have broken the rules'
Saracens' financial doping caused ructions in England and the furore has crossed the Irish Sea, leaving Leinster gunning to avenge…
Liam Heagney
19 Sep 2020, 1:20
'I just have a feeling things are coming together at the right time for us'
Much has changed since Saracens beat Leinster in the 2019 European final but it's still business as usual for the Londoners, warns…
Liam Heagney
19 Sep 2020, 1:00
Itoje wants year away from Saracens before career ends
Maro Itoje has been the subject of much speculation about a short-term move elsewhere during the season Saracens will soon spend i…
Liam Heagney
18 Sep 2020, 14:00
'Not much to lose, everything to gain': McCall on Saracens' mission improbable
With Leinster unbeaten in 25 games, the odds are against relegated Saracens producing a Euro surprise but Mark McCall isn't writin…
PA
18 Sep 2020, 5:39
Hogg fit as teams named for Sandy Park's all-English European quarter-final
Stuart Hogg limped out of recent Premiership action with Exeter but he is back in harness for the Champions Cup quarter-final clas…
Online Editors
18 Sep 2020, 5:23
Sexton returns for Leinster as defending champions Saracens name team for Dublin
Talisman Johnny Sexton was benched for the Leinster PRO14 final win over Ulster but he now returns to face Farrell-less Saracens i…
Online Editors
18 Sep 2020, 4:33
'In spite of everything the past turbulent year, Saracens is a club that does a lot of stuff right'
Now coaching at Glasgow, Kelly Brown has nothing but a fondness for Saracens despite a turbulent year that has seen them relegated…
Jamie Lyall
18 Sep 2020, 1:37
5 talking points ahead of the European quarter-finals
It's eight months since European rugby held centre-stage but it returns this weekend with numerous talking points, especially in t…
PA
17 Sep 2020, 9:38
Fans debate rule change that ended Northampton prop-gate
The saga surrounding the Northampton loosehead situation has dominated the build-up to Sunday's Champions Cup quarter-final at Exe…
Josh Raisey
17 Sep 2020, 9:36
'It's scandalous': Racing slam Beale ban
The three-match ban given to Kurtley Beale means he will miss Saturday's European game at Clermont, a situation Racing are not hap…
Online Editors
17 Sep 2020, 7:15
Baxter accuses Northampton of prop crisis 'mind games'
Exeter boss Rob Baxter has given his take on the Northampton prop crisis commentary that has dominated Sunday's all-English Champi…
PA
17 Sep 2020, 6:44
Gloucester prop plugs Northampton injury gap after Champions Cup rules altered
Three days out from their Champions Cup quarter-final at Exeter, Northampton have solved their prop crisis with a rule change and …
PA
17 Sep 2020, 2:53
Blow for Racing's European hopes as Beale cops ban
Seasoned Australian international Kurtley Beale has learned his fate after last Friday's red card in his home debut for Racing 92.…
Online Editors
16 Sep 2020, 11:36
'Saracens have been really good to allow me to train and crack on... it's good to keep involved'
George Kruis is due to play in the 2021 Top League in Japan but he is still busy with Saracens and has given an insight to this we…
Chris Jones
16 Sep 2020, 11:06
Northampton sweating on Champions Cup ruling to solve prop crisis
The relentless Premiership fixtures schedule has caused Northampton a massive prop headache ahead of facing Exeter in the Champion…
PA
16 Sep 2020, 10:22
Exeter given added incentive to beat Northampton as Champions Cup officials change semi-final stadium rules
Recent years have seen Saracens play a home Champions Cup semi-final in Coventry but the regulations have been changed, much to th…
Online Editors
16 Sep 2020, 5:12
Alex Goode is dwelling on the upside to Owen Farrell's ban
Much hype ahead of next Saturday's Euro quarter-final in Dublin concerns Owen Farrell's ban, but Alex Goode offers an alternative …
PA
15 Sep 2020, 10:20
10 match facts to whet the appetite ahead of the juggernaut Leinster vs Saracens European clash
Saturday's Champions Cup meeting in Dublin between Leinster and Saracens has been eagerly awaited since the quarter-final draw 35 …
Online Editors
15 Sep 2020, 9:26
James Ryan issues warning to Leinster despite 25-game winning streak
After featuring in his first game last weekend since the restart, James Ryan has highlighted a concern for Leinster for their Euro…
PA
15 Sep 2020, 1:32
'Any time we've given him a new challenge, he's stood up to it' - Vunipola backed to fill Farrell void against Leinster
The young fly-half is an option to replace the suspended Owen Farrell for Saracens' huge European tie at Leinster on Saturday.
PA
14 Sep 2020, 9:54
Leinster issue injury update ahead of Champions Cup showdown with Saracens
Leo Cullen's side are back training this week following last weekend's Guinness Pro14 final defeat of Ulster.
Ciarán Kennedy
14 Sep 2020, 5:06
The marksman, the strike runner and the hot favourites: 14 Champions Cup factoids
The return of the Champions Cup provides a much-needed dose of normality in an increasingly unpredictable sporting world. 
Online Editors
14 Sep 2020, 3:52
Saracens squad 'excited' ahead of first meaningful fixture in 8 months
It was January when Saracens were automatically relegated from the Premiership, leaving them without a meaningful game until next …
PA
11 Sep 2020, 9:23
Anglo-French feel to Champions Cup quarter-finals as veteran Owens given weekend off
Veteran referee Nigel Owens hasn't made the roster for this month's quarter-final weekend in the Heineken Champions Cup and Challe…
Liam Heagney
08 Sep 2020, 3:34
'He's been into the club and I've spoken to him... he is incredibly regretful'
Owen Farrell is “incredibly regretful” over the illegal tackle that is almost certain to see him banned for Saracens’ most i…
PA
07 Sep 2020, 9:05
Baxter fears England will become next season's sick man of Europe
Exeter boss Rob Baxter claims English clubs won't be at full strength for 2020/21 Champions Cup pool games due to relentless Test …
Liam Heagney
03 Sep 2020, 0:45
European regulation change will see players like Radradra line out with new clubs in 2019/20 finale
There were concerns the extended 2019/20 European rugby season could see teams unable to field new signings but quarter-final regu…
Online Editors
18 Aug 2020, 3:29
Fresh injury setback could signal end of McFadden's Leinster career
A squad update issued by Leinster today announced that McFadden will be unavailable for up to six weeks after suffering a calf in…
Ciarán Kennedy
17 Aug 2020, 7:38
'We know exactly what we need to do' - Saracens' fullback Elliot Daly puts a target on Leinster
If Saracens can get past Leinster, the team they beat in the final in 2019, they will play in the last four a week later, while th…
PA
11 Aug 2020, 14:34
10 of the best: The greatest games from the Aviva Stadium's first decade
RugbyPass takes a look at 10 of the best games from the first decade of rugby at the Aviva Stadium.
Ciarán Kennedy
31 Jul 2020, 6:34
Times and dates confirmed for the rescheduled Champions Cup quarter-finals
Five months after they were initially scheduled, the Champions and Challenge Cup quarter-finals will go ahead with Leinster vs Sar…
Online Editors
16 Jul 2020, 6:33
EPCR abandons plan for Marseille to host 2020 European finals, rejigs future finals schedule
Despite the pandemic, EPCR had insisted Marseille would still stage the 2020 Champions and Challenge Cup finals but that plan has …
Online Editors
09 Jul 2020, 2:22
Report: World club comp would be played every 4 years and could start as soon as 2022
Comments made by the head of ECPR suggest that a world club competition could be ready to roll in 2022, as rugby union's landscape…
Online Editors
27 Jun 2020, 7:43
EPCR reveal new Autumn dates for European finals
The EPCR have revealed the new dates for the knock out stages and finals of both European competitions.
Online Editors
25 Jun 2020, 2:43
World Rugby to vote on completing 2020 season, further talks on new global calendar to be held
Presidents and representatives from both hemispheres took part in an online forum which looked at creating a new unified global ru…
Ciarán Kennedy
15 Jun 2020, 11:12
New global calendar up for discussion as international and club bosses set for major World Rugby meeting
A number of proposals surrounding the global rugby calendar are set to be discussed during an online forum hosted by World Rugby o…
Online Editors
15 Jun 2020, 4:28
Championship status won't affect Saracens' right to play Champions Cup quarter-final
Saracens are set to be a second-tier Championship club by the time the 2019/20 Champions Cup resumes, but that status doesn’t th…
Online Editors
04 Jun 2020, 3:02
Dan Carter's embarrassing first time meeting rugby superstar: 'I was giving him advice like he was my own son'
Dan Carter, who always seems down for a good time, has revealed the one night he "embarrassed" himself in front of England lock Ma…
Online Editors
27 May 2020, 14:49
Leinster take 'unprecedented step' of cancelling sale of 2020/21 season tickets
Leinster were due to put season tickets for the 2020/21 campaign on sale in March, but the renewal window was postponed as a resul…
Online Editors
25 May 2020, 6:18
European rugby boss addresses rumours of French club boycott in 2020/21
The France league's cancellation with nine of 26 rounds of fixtures unplayed have led to threats of a Champions Cup boycott if onl…
Online Editors
13 May 2020, 4:30
What Ben Smith learned from the sending-off that spear-headed his career in France
Former All Black Ben Smith didn't have the smoothest of starts to his career in France but he certainly learned a valuable lesson …
Tom Vinicombe
12 May 2020, 18:37
'I genuinely didn't give a f***. That's the attitude players are going to have'
Closed doors matches are ready to become rugby’s new norm, but they are not unprecedented as Tim Visser made history in 2010 whe…
Liam Heagney
10 May 2020, 0:24
'Munster vs the Crusaders sounds pretty cool': Sam Whitelock eager for cross-hemisphere club clashes
As the rugby fraternity prepares itself for a global alignment on the international scene, Sam Whitelock has revealed he would lik…
Online Editors
05 May 2020, 21:57
'Hard as f***' - McFadden praised by Leinster legends including O'Driscoll and O'Brien
The versatile Leinster player has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season following a glittering 13-year career…
Ciarán Kennedy
04 May 2020, 9:15
'Something is better than nothing'
There is massive uncertainty surrounding the resumption of the rugby season after the COVID-19 pandemic brought the sporting world…
Online Editors
27 Apr 2020, 10:26
Plans for October Test rugby have just hit a major snag
Ever since the coronavirus pandemic postponed four recent Guinness Six Nations matches, there has been speculation that the weeks …
Online Editors
24 Apr 2020, 2:53
The unfortunate legacy of the most memorable game of Paul Volley's career
The now 48-year-old was part of Warren Gatland's Wasps side that came to Dublin in April 2004 to ambush Munster at an old Lansdown…
Online Editors
22 Apr 2020, 2:57
Depleted Saracens will get European dig-out if Leinster quarter-final is rescheduled - report
Squad registration for the postponed quarter-final closed in March and the Londoners have a load of players listed who will have l…
Online Editors
21 Apr 2020, 6:50
Matt Giteau reveals why his globe-trotting 20-year odyssey is coming to an end
Exclusive: If you’re looking for a quintessential example of the modern-day rugby professional, then you need look no further th…
Tom Vinicombe
20 Apr 2020, 22:23
French giants Toulouse unveil radical idea for next season's Champions Cup - report
With the coronavirus pandemic leading to the shutdown of the 2019/20 campaign, the four-time winners have hatched a plan to free u…
Online Editors
15 Apr 2020, 5:35
Munster have just bagged themselves a League of Legends esports franchise
Founded in 2016 by Ciaran Walsh, Phelan Gaming is reputedly Ireland’s most successful esports team and they are primarily focuss…
Online Editors
14 Apr 2020, 7:55
Munster's Allianz Park brawl medic has joined a very different kind of fight
Jamie Kearns made the wrong sort of headlines four months ago when a fiery verbal exchange with England hooker Jamie George at Sar…
Online Editors
10 Apr 2020, 7:48
European boss hits out at Laporte's threatened Champions Cup hijack
The French rugby chief, who will become World Rugby vice-president if current chairman Bill Beaumont is re-elected next month, rev…
Online Editors
10 Apr 2020, 1:45
Warren Gatland cautiously optimistic about mooted competition: 'Sometimes under crisis there's an opportunity to fix things.'
Warren Gatland has provided words of wisdom for any cross-hemisphere rugby competition that tries to get off the ground, noting it…
Online Editors
08 Apr 2020, 14:40
Munster 'name' 2006 team to take on Sale Sharks in a throw back to province's heyday
Munster have 'named' the 2006 team to take on Sale Sharks in a Youtube re-run of their classic Heineken Cup encounter in that year…
Online Editors
08 Apr 2020, 2:48
Super Rugby boss Andy Marinos coy on ambitious Club World Cup proposal
SANZAAR chief executive Andy Marinos has remained coy on plans about a proposed Club World Cup which could involve Super Rugby clu…
Online Editors
07 Apr 2020, 22:21
EPCR confirm talks have taken place regarding new global club tournament
EPCR have responded to comments by French Rugby President Bernard Laporte, who has outlined his hopes of introducing a new Club Wo…
Ciarán Kennedy
06 Apr 2020, 12:26
Laporte outlines plan to replace Champions Cup with a new Club World Cup
The French Rugby President is hoping to be elected World Rugby vice-chairman next month.
Online Editors
06 Apr 2020, 8:55
The goal-kicking custom that Matt Giteau just can't get his head around
Matt Giteau may have played over 300 first-class professional games of rugby but there’s one European goal-kicking custom that h…
Tom Vinicombe
30 Mar 2020, 22:09
The uncomfortable rugby truth exposed by the global pandemic
Rugby has always been inclined to puff out its chest and tell you just how much it’s growing. In a report by Nielsen Sports in 2…
Owain Jones
26 Mar 2020, 2:25
EPCR boss pens open letter to fans
It’s not yet all over for the 2019/20 tournaments, but CEO Vincent Gaillard has outlined plans to refund ticket holders due to t…
Online Editors
24 Mar 2020, 5:06
European finals in Marseille postponed for now
EPCR had initially taken the decision on March 16 to postponed the quarter-finals series scheduled for April 3/5, which had Champi…
Online Editors
24 Mar 2020, 2:24
'Plainly, we can't have a situation whereby Sam Hill lines out for Sale against Chiefs in the Premiership Final' - Andy Goode
It’s obviously a waiting game for rugby clubs at all levels at the moment, and people’s health is far more important, but the …
Andy Goode
18 Mar 2020, 10:10
French officials haven't given up hope on Marseille hosting 2020's European finals
There is acceptance the European finals won’t go ahead as currently planned on May 22 and 23 due to the coronavirus outbreak, bu…
Online Editors
18 Mar 2020, 4:14
EPCR suspend all 8 European Cup quarter-finals
With the Guinness Pro14, the French Top14 and Super Rugby all recently announcing decisions to suspend their leagues, EPCR have no…
Online Editors
16 Mar 2020, 11:22
'There is a first resumption date set for April 15, but it does not seem to be very credible'
With French officials believing the Top 14 won't be restarting any time soon, they want EPCR to abandon its wait-and-see position …
Online Editors
14 Mar 2020, 7:40
EPCR adopts wait-and-see approach regarding Champions Cup quarter-final schedule
Champions Cup matches are fixed for Exeter, Clermont, Dublin and Toulouse on the weekend of April 4/5, with Challenge Cup games pl…
Online Editors
12 Mar 2020, 10:49
Ban rules Devoto out of Exeter's all-English Champions Cup quarter-final
The Chiefs back appeared before an independent disciplinary panel after being cited by independent citing commissioner Chris Catli…
Online Editors
05 Mar 2020, 2:24
Boudjellal wins defamation case against EPCR and its director general - reports
In an EPCR press release published on July 18, 2018, Vincent Gaillard had accused the now ex-Toulon boss of homophobic behaviour, …
Online Editors
26 Feb 2020, 8:20
Saracens players held positive talks over their futures
The forward has joined Jamie George by insisting he will still be at the club next season.
Online Editors
14 Feb 2020, 0:55
Mark McCall admits Saracens to rotate players to topple Leinster in Champions Cup
The Sarries head coach revealed he has started to plan for the Champions Cup clash with Leinster.
Online Editors
11 Feb 2020, 14:15
Lorenzetti: Saracens decision 'ridiculous', 'unfair and biased'
Racing 92's billionaire owner Jacky Lorenzetti says won't sue over the EPCR decision to fine Saracens over their 'administrative o…
Online Editors
08 Feb 2020, 5:04
Saracens fined €50,000 following 'administrative oversight' but their European dream lives on
Saracens have been fined €50,000, €25,000 of which is suspended until the end of the 2020/21 season, following an independent …
Online Editors
07 Feb 2020, 13:27
Relegated Saracens face a European rugby misconduct hearing Friday evening
The salary cap scandal club are now in hot water with European rugby officials for potentially fielding an ineligible player in la…
Online Editors
07 Feb 2020, 4:17
No Saracens player included as nominees announced for European Player of the Year award
A total of 15 players make up the list of nominees, with the list set to be reduced to a shortlist of five players in early May, f…
Ciarán Kennedy
27 Jan 2020, 3:08
Fans slam 'mind-boggling' Champions Cup quarter-final schedule
The annual four-match feast of quarter-final rugby has been ruined as fans will only be able to watch two of the three matches sch…
Josh Raisey
24 Jan 2020, 7:56
Skelton and Batty given similar punishment for last weekend's European red cards
The Saracens and Bath forwards were both sent off for dangerous tackling in their respective round six European pool fixtures.
Online Editors
21 Jan 2020, 7:37
Montpellier snatch pulsating victory over Connacht
Connacht came within metres of a late match-winning try but Montpellier held on to win a pulsating Heineken Champions Cup clash 35…
Online Editors
19 Jan 2020, 12:44
'End of an era' - McCall confirms Saracens squad will be broken up
The crisis-stricken north London club will be relegated from the Gallagher Premiership at the end of the season.
Online Editors
19 Jan 2020, 10:30
Rees-Zammit limps off injured as Toulouse end Gloucester's Champions Cup hopes
Wales hopeful Louis Rees-Zammit limped off injured as Gloucester’s Heineken Champions Cup hopes ended with a 35-14 defeat at Tou…
Online Editors
19 Jan 2020, 9:42
Ospreys coach sees 'green shoots' despite winless European campaign
Ospreys forwards coach Carl Hogg admitted it had been another difficult day for the Welsh region who had just two early penalty go…
Online Editors
19 Jan 2020, 9:35
'He's pretty special, isn't he?' - Rennie lauds his lock trio
Glasgow head coach Dave Rennie could take plenty of positives from their 45-7 win over Sale despite failing to make the Heineken C…
Online Editors
19 Jan 2020, 9:07
Relegated Saracens still alive in Europe despite Skelton red
Owen Farrell kept Saracens’ competitive season alive by landing a late penalty that clinched a 27-24 Champions Cup victory over …
Online Editors
19 Jan 2020, 7:35
Recap: Toulouse vs Gloucester | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Toulouse and Gloucester at Stade E…
RugbyPass
19 Jan 2020, 5:48
Recap: Saracens vs Racing 92 | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Saracens and Racing 92 at Allianz …
RugbyPass
19 Jan 2020, 0:47
'Alex can do things no other back row in the country can'
Paul Gustard claims the youthful side he played in Harlequins’ 26-19 Champions Cup defeat against Clermont can provide the bluep…
Online Editors
18 Jan 2020, 18:07
Exeter book first-ever home quarter-final with Champions Cup success
Exeter booked a home quarter-final in the Heineken Champions Cup by beating La Rochelle 33-14 at Sandy Park.
Online Editors
18 Jan 2020, 17:38
'There's been a lot of stuff in the press' - Glasgow boss Rennie bracing for Saracens' retaliation after relegation news
Premiership Rugby released a statement on Saturday evening saying that Sarries will be demoted from England’s top flight at the …
Online Editors
18 Jan 2020, 15:42
Rob Baxter explains what it means for the Exeter Chiefs to get over the hump and make the Champions Cup quarterfinals
The Chiefs’ 33-14 Pool Two victory over La Rochelle at Sandy Park means they will return there for a last-eight clash – possib…
Online Editors
18 Jan 2020, 15:28
Nakarawa helps Glasgow to rout over Sharks but will it make a difference for the season?
.Leone Nakarawa scored and was sin-binned on his Glasgow return as the Warriors temporarily kept their Champions Cup hopes alive f…
Online Editors
18 Jan 2020, 13:04
Bath see red as Ulster's victory ensures quarter-final place
It was all level at half-time before the Irish province turned the screw in the second period to seal a 22-15 victory that feature…
Online Editors
18 Jan 2020, 10:09
Recap: Exeter Chiefs vs La Rochelle LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Exeter Chiefs and La Rochelle at S…
RugbyPass
18 Jan 2020, 9:35
Parra's 16-point boot powers Clermont past Harlequins
The scrum-half led his side from the off to help Clermont rubberstamp their place at the summit of Pool Three with the victory.
Online Editors
18 Jan 2020, 9:33
'We'll sit back and watch with interest who we're going to play'
An 18-point shutout away win – courtesy of second-half Caelan Doris and James Tracy tries - confirmed Leo Cullen's record-breaki…
Online Editors
18 Jan 2020, 9:23
Recap: Ulster vs Bath LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Ulster and Bath at Kingspan Stadiu…
RugbyPass
18 Jan 2020, 6:57
Recap: Lyon vs Northampton Saints | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Lyon and Northampton Saints at Mat…
RugbyPass
18 Jan 2020, 4:33
The Premiership rivals who could throw unlikely spanner in Saracens' European campaign
Saracens face a make-or-break Champions Cup clash on Sunday – accompanied by the grim prospect of Premiership relegation.
Online Editors
18 Jan 2020, 1:50
Nakarawa ready to end three-year Glasgow absence at Sale
The Fijian held signing talks with Sale after being sacked by Racing 92 for returning late from the World Cup but he opted to retu…
Online Editors
17 Jan 2020, 11:01
French clubs want action taken at European level against Saracens
The Top 14 has a higher salary cap than the £7million Premiership limit that Saracens have broken, but French club bosses want sa…
Liam Heagney
17 Jan 2020, 5:24
Crisis club Saracens name team for must-win European tie
Away from the Premiership, the Londoners must defeat the table-topping Parisians if they are to potentially qualify for the Europe…
Online Editors
17 Jan 2020, 4:21
Sale prop banned for three weeks for striking
The Russian was sent off by referee Mike Adamson in the 65th minute at La Rochelle for striking Lopeti Timani with his shoulder in…
Online Editors
16 Jan 2020, 8:18
Everything at stake, pool by pool, in this weekend's Heineken Champions Cup
As the Heineken Champions Cup pool stage reaches its climax this weekend, here's a pool by pool breakdown of what's at stake.
Online Editors
16 Jan 2020, 2:42
Nakarawa among 8 players registered for final round of European action
Leone Nakarawa is among eight players that have been added for the next round of European action. Nakarawa replaces Kiran McDo…
Online Editors
15 Jan 2020, 5:30
Kiwis in Europe: Clermont's ex-Pat contingent continue blistering run in Champions Cup
Elsewhere in the Champions Cup, a Jackson Willison try was not enough for Bath, which fell 19-25 at home to Harlequins.
Campbell Burnes
12 Jan 2020, 14:24
Van Graan: "It really hurts. It's out of our hands now"
Munster head coach Johann Van Graan admitted Racing 92’s late sucker punch was a bitter pill to swallow as his team’s Heineken…
Online Editors
12 Jan 2020, 10:56
Champions Cup XV of the Week - Round 5
The penultimate round of the group stage of the Heineken Champions Cup played out this weekend, with Leinster, Exeter Chiefs and t…
Alex Shaw
12 Jan 2020, 10:52
England star boots Leicester to victory over Cardiff
England fly-half George Ford scored two drop goals as Leicester Tigers powered their way past Cardiff Blues and booked their place…
Online Editors
12 Jan 2020, 10:48
Munster's Champions Cup hopes all but over after defeat to Racing 92
Munster’s Heineken Champions Cup hopes are all but over after they were beaten 39-22 by Racing 92 in Paris despite an impressive…
Online Editors
12 Jan 2020, 10:39
Players were 'apologising to each other' after 'disgustingly dreadful' display
Northampton boss Chris Boyd apologised for a “disgustingly dreadful” performance as Benetton Rugby were edged 33-20 at Frankli…
Online Editors
12 Jan 2020, 9:11
Leinster show shades of vulnerability in victory over Lyon
Leinster are within touching distance of a Heineken Champions Cup home quarter-final after running out 42-14 bonus point winners o…
Online Editors
12 Jan 2020, 8:06
Gloucester somehow still alive in 'bizarre' Champions Cup group despite winning just two of five games
Head coach Johan Ackermann promised Gloucester would ‘give it their best shot’ as they face a daunting must-win trip to Toulou…
Online Editors
12 Jan 2020, 5:51
Recap: Racing 92 vs Munster LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Racing 92 and Munster at the Paris…
RugbyPass
12 Jan 2020, 5:50
Recap: Leinster vs Lyon | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Leinster vs Lyon at the RDS. 
RugbyPass
12 Jan 2020, 4:01
Glasgow fans left in disbelief at the Warriors lack of luck as bounce of the ball costs three tries and possible finals place
In a match where a combined eight tries were scored, it seems like Glasgow and Exeter's drawn Champions Cup fixture is being talke…
Tom Vinicombe
11 Jan 2020, 17:44
Standard of refereeing brought into question after Romain Poite's 'worst game ever' in Glasgow
Fans from both sides were critical of the French ref, but those from Glasgow took exception, calling his performance 'utter gash' …
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 13:14
Rees-Zammit strikes again as Gloucester keep qualification hopes alive
Despite the bonus-point success they will probably need to secure at least a win in Toulouse in their final group game next Sunday…
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 11:52
Bristol ease into quarter-finals of Challenge Cup
Bristol became the first English side through to the quarter-finals of the European Rugby Challenge Cup with a comprehensive victo…
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 10:51
Toulouse eliminate Connacht but Zach Holmes is making a habit of collecting European red cards
The French champions sealed their passage through to the last eight as Pool Five winners with converted scores from captain Jerome…
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 10:50
Stuart Hogg 'wins' crossbar challenge on his dramatic return to Scotstoun
An epic round five European encounter brimming with eight tries and 62 points was deadlocked at 31-points all when the Scottish in…
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 10:32
Exeter seal Champions Cup quarter-final spot with thrilling draw at Glasgow
The Gallagher Premiership leaders needed only a point to secure top spot in Pool Two and the teams shared eight tries and sixty-tw…
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 9:55
Beaten Ulster boss McFarland accuses Clermont of cheating
Defeat in France has left the Irish province needing to beat Bath in the final round of pool fixtures next weekend to be sure of a…
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 9:35
'He was amazing' - McCall lauds Saracens veteran
Mark McCall admitted he was “proud and thrilled” after Saracens’ memorable triumph over adversity against Ospreys in Swansea…
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 8:53
Yet another Cheslin Kolbe moment of magic lights up Champions Cup
Chesklin Kolbe has grabbed the limelight yet again with another moment of magic in the Champions Cup.
Ian Cameron
11 Jan 2020, 8:24
Clermont seal Champions Cup quarter-final place with Ulster victory
Clermont Auvergne secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Champions Cup with a 29-13 victory over Ulster at the …
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 7:38
14-man Saracens claim famous victory despite controversial red
Saracens dug deep to overcome prop Rhys Carre’s early red card and keep alive their Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final hopes b…
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 7:25
Saracens' Rhys Carre sent off within minutes of return to Wales
Saracens prop Rhys Carre lasted just five minutes of his side's clash with Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium before he was red-carded…
Online Editors
11 Jan 2020, 6:31
Recap: Glasgow Warriors vs Exeter Chiefs | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Glasgow Warriors vs Exeter Chiefs …
RugbyPass
11 Jan 2020, 6:30
Recap: Clermont vs Ulster | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Clermont and Ulster at Stade Marce…
RugbyPass
11 Jan 2020, 4:24
'When I get the clips from the analysts and there's Leinster coming up, it's a worse feeling in the gut'
Lyon attack coach Kendrick Lynn on the injury crisis at the club ahead of the weekend's Champions Cup match against undefeated Lei…
James Harrington
11 Jan 2020, 1:24
MacGinty's season all but over after brutal injury
The Sale out-half was hurt in the defeat at La Rochelle, 15 months after he shipped a similar injury that kept him out for twelve …
Chris Jones
11 Jan 2020, 1:12
Bath boss Stuart Hooper plays down Anthony Watson injury scare
Initial fears about Anthony Watson's leg injury have been quelled by the Bath boss.
Online Editors
10 Jan 2020, 20:46
Red card sees Sale Sharks bow out of Champions Cup in La Rochelle defeat
Sale’s hopes of progressing to the European Champions Cup quarter-finals came to an end as they were beaten 30-23 by La Rochelle…
Online Editors
10 Jan 2020, 15:59
Anthony Watson limps out of Bath's Champions Cup defeat to Harlequins
England suffered an injury scare just three weeks before the Six Nations when Anthony Watson limped out of Bath’s 25-19 Champion…
Online Editors
10 Jan 2020, 15:43
The silver lining to English club struggles in the Champions Cup
With a considerable number of English clubs struggling to be competitive in the Champions Cup, they have turned to the young guns …
Alex Shaw
10 Jan 2020, 6:33
Munster crisis over for now, but fears remain over Hanrahan
With Joey Carbery and Tyler Bleyendaal off-limits due to injury, fans of the Irish province are concerned that the hamstrung Hanra…
Josh Raisey
10 Jan 2020, 6:21
Quins fans not amused by Alex Dombrandt's selection for Friday's European dead rubber
With the London club out of the running for European qualification, some people can't understand why the back row will face Bath w…
Josh Raisey
10 Jan 2020, 1:59
Toulon owner follows through on Rhys Webb threat
In the first fixture since Toulon owner Bernard Lemaitre suggested Ospreys-bound scrumhalf Rhys Webb will not play for the club ag…
Josh Raisey
09 Jan 2020, 7:05
Kyle Sinckler has handed England a timely Six Nations boost
The tighthead was in some discomfort when had to be helped from the field on December 28 after being injured in Harlequins' Premie…
Online Editors
09 Jan 2020, 4:29
Heineken Champions Cup Predictor: Big Jim vs the RPI
Heineken Champions Cup predictor: It's another big European weekend, with most of the teams running out across the continent still…
Jim Hamilton
09 Jan 2020, 2:42
Ulster's unusual tactic to ensure kickers are prepared for Clermont's cauldron
Stade Michelin has a reputation for being one of the most intimidating venues on the European circuit and it has left the Irish pr…
Josh Raisey
08 Jan 2020, 10:23
Stuart Lancaster's very good reason to ignore hype about Leinster going entire 32-game season unbeaten
‘Do Not F*** Up January’ adorned posters on the dressing room wall the last time the Irish province started a season as impres…
Liam Heagney
08 Jan 2020, 6:53
Everything at stake, pool by pool, in this weekend's Heineken Champions Cup
As the Heineken Champions Cup takes centre stage again this weekend, we look at what's at stake in each pool.
Online Editors
08 Jan 2020, 2:47
Munster's European dream at risk in Paris against high-powered Racing attack
The doggedly tough side has a history of knocking off more fancied opponents and dragging them into bare-knuckled slugfests in the…
Ben Smith
07 Jan 2020, 20:05
Joey Carbery: 'Devastation doesn't even describe how I'm feeling'
So much has been expected of the out-half since his summer 2018 move to Munster but a cruel run of injury continues to slow his pr…
Online Editors
07 Jan 2020, 4:06
Edinburgh eye French league leaders after topping PRO14 Conference B
Edinburgh stand-off Jaco Van Der Walt says his side are heading to France on a high after storming to the top of their Guinness PR…
Online Editors
05 Jan 2020, 4:43
Munster doctor Jamie Kearns and Sale boss Steve Diamond hit in the pocket
Verbals landed an Irish doctor and an English director of rugby in hot water after the recent rounds three and four of the Heineke…
Online Editors
31 Dec 2019, 6:25
Munster medic set for disciplinary hearing following Saracens incident
The Munster doctor reportedly abused Saracens hooker Jamie George about his weight in the English club's 15-6 win at Allianz Park …
Online Editors
23 Dec 2019, 9:28
Eleven months after the Zebo affair, Ulster have now banned a second fan after incident versus Harlequins
The Irish province didn't hang about when investigating unwanted fan behaviour last January and they have acted swiftly again foll…
Liam Heagney
18 Dec 2019, 4:50
Tommy Seymour's Scotland career may be over, but he's not done with Glasgow just yet
Tommy Seymour says he has no plans of slowing down with Glasgow after agreeing a one-year contract extension.
Online Editors
17 Dec 2019, 11:53
No end yet to Northampton's Dublin nightmare as three players cited
Saints were walloped on consecutive Saturdays by Leinster: Match points 0-10, Points scored: 37-93, Tries scored: 4-14... but they…
Online Editors
17 Dec 2019, 8:02
EPCR considering plans to reduce its number of Champions Cup teams
The 20-team format - five pools of four - has been in situ since 2014/15 but a revamp would see that system change.
Online Editors
17 Dec 2019, 6:02
Champions Cup needs a revamp but a simple one - Andy Goode
I’ve said before that the Champions Cup needs a revamp but the last thing it needs is gimmicks or more games, the organisers hav…
Andy Goode
17 Dec 2019, 4:35
Sexton linked with shock move back to Top14
Leinster and Ireland out-half Johnny Sexton is being linked with a shock return to France, with Lyon reportedly keen to lure the 3…
Ciarán Kennedy
16 Dec 2019, 2:30
Valid excuses or justified critcism? English clubs struggle in the Franco-Irish Champions Cup
As English clubs continue to struggle in European competition, the Heineken European Champions Cup is beginning to look like the F…
Alex Shaw
16 Dec 2019, 1:07
Kiwis in Europe: George Moala pick of the bunch in commanding performance for Clermont
Former All Blacks star George Moala is proving just as hard to contain on the fields of Europe as he was in New Zealand.
Campbell Burnes
15 Dec 2019, 13:46
Hooper: Bath changing room 'gutted' after Clermont rout
Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper bemoaned a shocking first-half performance as his team were hammered 52-26 by Clermont Auverg…
Online Editors
15 Dec 2019, 12:43
O'Driscoll criticises medic at centre of Saracens-Munster brawl row
Brian O'Driscoll has criticised the medic at the centre of the Saracens-Munster brawl row, saying 'We don't want that in our game'…
Online Editors
15 Dec 2019, 10:55
More European misery for Bath as Clermont complete eight-try rout
Bath’s nightmare Heineken Champions Cup campaign continued as Stuart Hooper’s men were hammered 52-26 by Clermont Auvergne.
Online Editors
15 Dec 2019, 10:01
Champions Cup XV of the Week - Round 4
The pick of the players from Round 4 of the Heineken Champions Cup, as Leinster, Exeter Chiefs, Toulouse, Ulster and Racing 92 all…
Alex Shaw
15 Dec 2019, 9:24
Exeter on brink of last eight after beating Sale in Champions Cup
The Chiefs are on the verge of reaching the quarter-finals after a comfortable home win.
Online Editors
15 Dec 2019, 8:05
EPCR issue statement following 30-man all-in-brawl between Saracens and Munster
The EPCR have issued an official statement following the 30-man plus all-in-brawl that marred Saracens and Munster's European Cham…
Online Editors
15 Dec 2019, 4:47
'Saturday isn't terminal for us, but it's tougher now for sure'
Dave Rennie has urged Glasgow to take their Heineken Champions Cup frustrations out on Edinburgh. The Warriors’ hopes of maki…
Online Editors
15 Dec 2019, 2:16
Giant prop seals fourth straight win for Leicester Tigers
Leicester made it four straight European Challenge Cup wins after they held out to defeat Calvisano 20-13.
Online Editors
15 Dec 2019, 2:05
'We could get ourselves in trouble if we deliver that again' - Cullen critical of Leinster's big win
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen had mixed feelings about his side’s seven-try performance despite a comprehensive 50-21 bonus poi…
Online Editors
14 Dec 2019, 14:34
'I have had a look and there is clearly forearm to the throat' - Fend gone wrong costs Glasgow victory
Glasgow coach Dave Rennie felt his players deserved to win their Champions Cup tie with La Rochelle rather than suffer a narrow de…
Online Editors
14 Dec 2019, 13:38
Leinster send Northampton back to the Premiership with their tail between their legs
Leo Cullen’s men provided plenty of entertainment as they booked their quarter-final place with two rounds still remaining.
Online Editors
14 Dec 2019, 12:24
Matt Fagerson's late red card sums up Glasgow's miserable night
The Warriors beat La Rochelle last weekend in France but their hopes of backing up that victory against the same opposition were d…
Online Editors
14 Dec 2019, 11:53
'I don't think what was said to Jamie was good at all... it started a 30-man brawl'
Saracens gained revenge for their defeat last weekend in Limerick, but all the post-match talk surrounded a 30-man brawl sparked b…
Online Editors
14 Dec 2019, 11:26
Brad Shields a major Six Nations doubt for England
England flanker Brad Shields has injured the foot that ruled him out of the Rugby World Cup again and faces at least another month…
Chris Jones
14 Dec 2019, 10:35
How Connacht's 140-second Hail Mary play produced the ultimate team try to flatten Gloucester
The clock was on 78:13 in Galway when Gloucester kicked a restart kick deep into opposition territory... 19 phases later they were…
Liam Heagney
14 Dec 2019, 10:03
Toulouse continue perfect Champions Cup start
The French champions had too much in the tank for their league rivals Montpellier even though they were made to wait for a last-mi…
Online Editors
14 Dec 2019, 9:49
Saracens blame Munster medic for mass brawl at Allianz Park
It is believed the brawl was sparked by a comment made to Jamie George.
Online Editors
14 Dec 2019, 9:40
14 points in 4 minutes see Connacht rescue win over Gloucester
Robin Copeland’s last-gasp try rescued a 27-24 win from the jaws of defeat as Connacht pipped Gloucester in a dramatic Heineken …
Online Editors
14 Dec 2019, 8:05
Benetton exact revenge on Lyon at home
Benetton came from behind to edge out Lyon 25-22 and record their first Heineken Champions Cup victory of the campaign.
Online Editors
14 Dec 2019, 7:38
Unbeaten Exeter boss Baxter: 'I wouldn't swap this for anything else'
Exeter's Champions Cup campaigns have usually been full of pain and anguish but they have started this winter like an express trai…
Online Editors
14 Dec 2019, 5:54
Gloucester selection raises eyebrows and ire ahead of crucial European clash
The fortunes of Gloucester have changed a lot in the past week. The Cherry and Whites went from rock bottom of Pool Five in the Ch…
Josh Raisey
14 Dec 2019, 3:39
'Two teams is certainly one too few for Scotland, I'd love to see a third' - Gavin Hastings' radical idea
The former Scottish full-back on the need to revisit the 2007 Borders disbandment decision, his pride watching son Adam and the f…
Liam Heagney
14 Dec 2019, 1:19
Carl Hogg hails Ospreys' character in 'roller coaster' Champions Cup clash with Racing 92
Ospreys forwards coach Carl Hogg praised his young side’s attacking intent as they scored five tries in a 40-27 Heineken Champio…
Online Editors
13 Dec 2019, 16:28
Dan McFarland hails John Cooney masterclass as Ulster claim Quins scalp
Ulster head coach Dan McFarland was left amazed by another John Cooney masterclass in their 34-10 triumph over Harlequins.
Online Editors
13 Dec 2019, 15:53
Ospreys suffer second defeat to Racing 92 in six days
A brace of tries from Juan Imhoff plus Louis Dupichot and Simon Zebo efforts saw Racing secure a bonus point before the break to s…
Online Editors
13 Dec 2019, 14:44
John Cooney torments Harlequins again as Ulster ease to victory
Six days on from kicking the late penalty that handed Ulster a crucial 25-24 win in Belfast, the Irish scrum-half was at it again …
Online Editors
13 Dec 2019, 14:30
Cameron Redpath's eventful few months... from six-week biting ban to important starting role at Sandy Park
The England prospect may have had a gloomy summer but he has since bounced back and is increasingly gaining the trust of Sale's St…
Online Editors
13 Dec 2019, 8:22
Saracens make a dozen changes for must-win meeting with Munster
Defeat in Limerick was the London club's second defeat in three European matches this winter and they now must beat the Irish prov…
Online Editors
13 Dec 2019, 5:01
Kyle Sinckler has just been handed a responsibility few believed could ever happen ten months ago
The England and Harlequins tighthead has often been described as a hothead, with Warren Gatland and Andy Goode among his queue of …
Liam Heagney
12 Dec 2019, 4:43
Pool 4's two red cards earn a combined total of seven-week bans
Ospreys' Dan Evans and Munster's Arno Botha both felt the wrath of a referee last Saturday and their foul play has now been punish…
Online Editors
11 Dec 2019, 7:44
Mucking in not a problem for Tom Curry as he gets ready for his 28th game in 2019
The young Sale back row is showing no signs of slowing down despite a hectic schedule club schedule following on from his World Cu…
Chris Jones
11 Dec 2019, 7:05
15 for 10: Toulon - an all-decade XV
The RugbyPass series crosses the Channel for a look at a French club that came from nowhere to dominate the European landscape in …
Josh Raisey
11 Dec 2019, 2:29
Here's proof that last Sunday wasn't the first time Cipriani pulled off that bizarre kick
Gloucester beat Connacht in last weekend's Champions Cup round three, but the main talking point has been whether or not their mav…
Josh Raisey
10 Dec 2019, 8:04
Wounded Harlequins view Anthony Joshua as ideal inspiration for hitting back at Ulster
The Londoners stayed on in Belfast on Saturday night and watched the English boxer regain his heavyweight belts to the opponent he…
Chris Jones
10 Dec 2019, 3:20
'I think he is actually developing as a player. I'm seeing improvement in most areas of his game'
Rob Baxter believes Stuart Hogg could be the missing link in Exeter Chiefs’ quest to break new ground in the European Champions …
Jamie Lyall
09 Dec 2019, 8:05
Sexton's Six Nations worry as Leinster confirm out-half will miss Northampton game
Sexton was forced off in Leinster's 43-16 win at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday after falling awkwardly while being tackled. 
Online Editors
09 Dec 2019, 4:41
'Joke! Joke, joke, joke' - Diamond post-match gag might land him in hot water with EPCR
In barely six minutes holding court in the Sale Sharks media lounge, Steve Diamond delivered a caustic savaging of teams who rest …
Jamie Lyall
09 Dec 2019, 1:32
Toulouse ease to victory against Montpellier
Toulouse extended their lead at the top of their Heineken Champions Cup pool by beating Montpellier 23-9.
Online Editors
09 Dec 2019, 1:10
Champions Cup XV of the Week - Round 3
Round 3 of the 2019/20 Heineken Champions Cup saw a number of teams move closer to the coveted quarter-finals and we have selected…
Alex Shaw
08 Dec 2019, 9:31
'We had the dominant scrums until their loosehead was allowed to stand up and walk about'
Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie has criticised the refereeing that allowed La Rochelle's loosehead 'walk about' in their H…
Online Editors
08 Dec 2019, 5:07
Recap: Sale Sharks vs Exeter Chiefs LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at th…
RugbyPass
08 Dec 2019, 4:53
Dave Rennie hails Glasgow's resilience after critical La Rochelle win
Dave Rennie praised the mental resilience of his Glasgow Warriors side after they beat La Rochelle 27-24 at the Stade Marcel-Defla…
Online Editors
07 Dec 2019, 16:59
'The referee didn't have any choice' - Munster react to added time red card
The Irish province had kicked the ball dead thinking they had won the game but referee Romain Poite opted instead to send off Arno…
Online Editors
07 Dec 2019, 13:46
Ospreys have no complaints following Dan Evans' first-minute red card
Just 37 seconds were on the clock in Swansea when referee Frank Murphy gave the Welsh team's full-back his marching orders for fou…
Online Editors
07 Dec 2019, 13:26
Gustard: 'We gave Ulster the fright of their lives'
Harlequins were nine points ahead and looking good for victory before they were overcome by a late Ulster charge that culminated i…
Online Editors
07 Dec 2019, 13:01
Ospreys full-back Evans sent off after just 37 seconds in defeat to Racing 92
Ospreys full-back Dan Evans received one of the quickest red cards in professional rugby union history as his team lost 40-19 agai…
Online Editors
07 Dec 2019, 12:08
Glasgow Warriors grind out crucial victory over La Rochelle
Glasgow Warriors secured a 27-24 victory over La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre to move into second spot in pool two of th…
Online Editors
07 Dec 2019, 11:16
Leicester Tigers crush Calvisano in European Challenge Cup clash
Leicester ran in nine tries to crush Rugby Calvisano 59-7 in their European Challenge Cup Pool Five match at Welford Road.
Online Editors
07 Dec 2019, 10:28
Recap: Munster vs Saracens LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Munster and Saracens at Thomond Pa…
RugbyPass
07 Dec 2019, 8:45
'One of the spectators said to me as he walked past the box that it's a part of the education'
Northampton boss Chris Boyd admitted Saints had received a “reality check” as they slumped to a 43-16 Heineken Champions Cup d…
Online Editors
07 Dec 2019, 8:37
Lyon thump Benetton for maiden Champions Cup win
The French league leaders stalled in the opening rounds in Europe, losing to Northampton and Leinster, but they have now belatedly…
Online Editors
07 Dec 2019, 7:38
Sexton injury means Leinster's crushing win at Northampton comes at a cost
The exit of the Ireland fly-half early in the second half with what appeared to be a knee injury was the only downside to a thrill…
Online Editors
07 Dec 2019, 7:30
Recap: Ulster vs Harlequins LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Ulster and Harlequins at Kingspan.
RugbyPass
07 Dec 2019, 6:51
Recap: Northampton Saints vs Leinster LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Northampton Saints and Leinster at…
RugbyPass
07 Dec 2019, 5:07
A shining light in Saracens' gloom - Andy Goode
It hasn’t been a great few weeks for Saracens but all the negativity should be put to one side to celebrate their inspirational …
Andy Goode
07 Dec 2019, 3:04
'He has still got a lot to develop, still got a lot to learn and he knows that... but he is desperate to do that'
Dan McFarland was happy as a Scotland assistant but Ulster's approach won him over and he hasn't looked back in trying to help pla…
Liam Heagney
07 Dec 2019, 1:04
Munster fans still wary of depleted Saracens
Prioritising Premiership survival following a 35-point salary cap deduction, the London club are fielding a much-changed XV in Lim…
Josh Raisey
07 Dec 2019, 0:47
Stuart Hooper admits Bath's Champions Cup hopes all but over after latest defeat
Stuart Hooper accepted his side’s chances of progressing in the Heineken Champions Cup were faint after Clermont Auvergne’s 34…
Online Editors
06 Dec 2019, 19:21
Edinburgh secure bonus-point victory over Wasps in European Challenge Cup
Edinburgh recorded a 31-20 victory over Wasps to maintain their strong position in the European Challenge Cup.
Online Editors
06 Dec 2019, 15:06
Bath suffer fresh Champions Cup defeat as Clermont claim Rec spoils
Bath suffered a third successive Champions Cup defeat after Clermont Auvergne turned on the pace and power to secure a bonus-point…
Online Editors
06 Dec 2019, 14:37
Saracens pull their punches as many England RWC stars missing for visit to Munster
The under-fire London club gave their Premiership hopes a shot in the arm with victory over Bath last weekend, but they have now d…
Online Editors
06 Dec 2019, 5:06
Why a player caught for biting in PRO14 got away with just a six-week ban
Many rugby fans were left disgusted that La Rochelle’s Pierre Bourgarit received just a six-week ban for eye-gouging in the Cham…
Online Editors
06 Dec 2019, 3:27
Enough to make grown men weep: Nine games, seven losses, six by five points or less, three by clock-in-the-red scores
Just last May Kieran Crowley was given the PRO14 coach of the year award... now he is trying to solve why Benetton are losing so m…
Liam Heagney
05 Dec 2019, 4:13
Munster move to meet massive demand for Saracens clash
Having already sold 23,000 tickets for the Pool 4 clash, Munster have taken the move to bring in additional seating.
Ciarán Kennedy
02 Dec 2019, 5:13
Uproar after Bourgarit's eye-gouging gets ban just two weeks worse than Addison's badly-timed tackle
European rugby disciplinary hearings handed out punishments on Wednesday after last weekend's round two action that have left fans…
Josh Raisey
28 Nov 2019, 5:07
Bourgarit gets off lightly for 'deliberate, repeated and sustained pressure' to Curry's eye area
La Rochelle hooker Pierre Bourgarit got off lightly for purposefully making contact with the eye area of Sale Sharks and England f…
Ian Cameron
27 Nov 2019, 10:28
Ulster fullback Will Addison banned for 'reckless contact'
The Ulster Rugby fullback, Will Addison, has been suspended following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London.
Online Editors
27 Nov 2019, 7:41
Springboks World Cup hero Cheslin Kolbe wants to cap off trophy-laden season with one more major accolade
Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe has identified the title he wants to add to his trophy cabinet alongside the Top 14, Rugby Champions…
Online Editors
25 Nov 2019, 20:51
Tom Curry may just have found a true England rival in Ben Earl
Saracens back rower Ben Earl continues to flourish in the 2019/20 season and the loose forward is putting down serious England mar…
Alex Shaw
25 Nov 2019, 3:56
'How do you eat an elephant? It's piece by piece' - Saracens want European success despite survival scrap
Brad Barritt insists Saracens are capable of retaining the Champions Cup alongside succeeding in their desperate fight for Gallagh…
Online Editors
24 Nov 2019, 19:16
Eye gouging and stomping - La Rochelle's dirty tactics a throwback to rugby's amateur days
With five minutes remaining, centre Geoffrey Doumayrou was seen stomping on an opposition arm at a ruck, pushing his boot into the…
Online Editors
24 Nov 2019, 18:36
'They got away with it' - Ackerman makes accusation of 'illegal' scrummaging
Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann accused Montpellier of illegal scrummaging after his team were beaten 30-27 in a thrilling E…
Online Editors
24 Nov 2019, 11:10
Gloucester narrowly beaten in Montpellier despite red card sending-off
Gloucester fell just short of what would have been a memorable win to lose 30-27 to 14-man Montpellier in a thrilling Heineken Cha…
Online Editors
24 Nov 2019, 9:42
Diamond: Sale Sharks 'in negotiations' with missing Racing 92 star Nakarawa
Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond has confirmed that the club are in negotiations with missing Racing 92  star Leone Na…
Online Editors
24 Nov 2019, 9:21
Ugly eye gouge on Tom Curry mars Sale victory over La Rochelle
An ugly eye gouge on England star Tom Curry marred Sale Shark's victory over La Rochelle in the Heineken Champions Cup at the AJ B…
Online Editors
24 Nov 2019, 7:39
Bath are not entirely happy with the RFU over Joe Cokanasiga
Bath Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper has suggested the club are not entirely happy over how the injury to winger Joe Cokanasiga wa…
Ian Cameron
24 Nov 2019, 4:53
'I was very proud' - Simon Zebo praises Munster fans
Racing 92 star Simon Zebo has thanked Munster fans after receiving a warm reception at Thomond Park.
Online Editors
24 Nov 2019, 4:18
Leicester Tigers beat Cardiff in Challenge Cup thriller
Tom Hardwick’s injury-time penalty secured Leicester Tigers a dramatic 14-11 win at Cardiff Blues in their European Challenge Cu…
Online Editors
24 Nov 2019, 1:06
'His street-savviness with Francois Louw showed' - Joe Marler's holding play on Springbok flanker applauded by Gustard
Harlequins' head of rugby Paul Gustard praised Joe Marler’s “street-savviness” as the England prop returned to help his club…
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 18:17
'You are never going to turn it down' - Elliot Daly has no regrets about signing with handi-capped Saracens
Elliot Daly has no regrets over joining crisis club Saracens after celebrating his debut by starring in a 44-3 Champions Cup demol…
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 14:29
Munster reel in a Finn Russell-inspired Racing 92 for draw
The Scotland playmaker turned it on in Limerick to leave the Parisians set for victory before a dramatic late rally by their Thomo…
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 13:02
Marcus Smith kicks Harlequins to tense victory over Bath
With both the English club beaten in their round one matches last weekend, their European meeting in London was always going to be…
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 12:15
Twitter can't handle Finn Russell's performance versus Munster
The exceptional individual performance of Racing 92 playmaker Finn Russell in Thomond Park this evening has left digital jaws on t…
Ian Cameron
23 Nov 2019, 11:22
Leinster defence holds firm against Lyon onslaught
Ireland didn't deliver what they wanted at the World Cup, but Johnny Sexton's club form has helped the PRO14 champions nab their s…
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 10:15
Exeter Chiefs and Henry slayed Glasgow
Exeter Chiefs continued their impressive start to their Champions Cup campaign with a bonus-point 34-18 victory over Glasgow at Sa…
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 10:04
'It was probably our worst effort of the year' - Boyd slams his Northampton Saints side
Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd was not a happy man despite Dan Biggar snatching a 35-32 victory from the jaws of …
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 9:26
Recap: Munster vs Racing 92 LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Munster and Racing 92 at Thomond P…
RugbyPass
23 Nov 2019, 9:26
Saracens' Rotimi Segun showcases his 11.03 second 100-metre pace in Ospreys rout
Saracens wing Rotimi Segun showed off his remarkable pace with a well-taken brace as the North London club breezed by the Ospreys …
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 8:58
Saracens cruise to comfortable Champions Cup win at subdued Allianz Park
After a week when they found themselves plunged to the bottom of the Premiership after a 35-point deduction, Saracens' Champions C…
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 7:48
Last-ditch Biggar penalty edges Northampton to win in Italy
Saints got nothing easy at Treviso, trailing at the interval against Benetton and then requiring a penalty with the clock in the r…
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 7:38
De Klerk and Curry among 11 internationals in Sale Sharks starting XV
Sale Sharks are bolstered by the return of two World Cup finalists as they look to ignite their Champions Cup challenge against La…
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 6:59
Recap: Lyon vs Leinster LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Lyon and Leinster at Matmut Stade …
RugbyPass
23 Nov 2019, 6:53
Andy Goode ridicules ref's use of French with Top 14 side dominated by English speakers
The former England international initially praised referee JP Doyle's use of French during Friday's Ulster-Clermont match, but he …
Online Editors
23 Nov 2019, 5:47
Recap: Saracens vs Ospreys LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Saracens and Ospreys at Allianz Pa…
RugbyPass
23 Nov 2019, 4:41
Jamie George ready to fight for silverware despite Saracens' punishments
England hooker Jamie George is ready to fight for silverware on multiple fronts as Saracens contend with the points deduction that…
Online Editors
22 Nov 2019, 19:58
'If you could see me as he goes down the blindside without support...I'm shouting... NO! Followed by... YES!'
Ulster head coach Dan McFarland admitted John Cooney’s match-winning try in the 18-13 success against Clermont Auvergne left him…
Online Editors
22 Nov 2019, 15:48
Ulster top pool after Clermont victory in Belfast
A second-half try from John Cooney saw Ulster beat Clermont Auvergne 18-13 at the Kingspan Stadium to go top of Pool Three in the …
Online Editors
22 Nov 2019, 15:30
Injury crisis swamps Bath as three internationals ruled out
In addition to a poor start to the season domestically and in Europe, Bath have now been dealt the blow of significant injuries to…
Alex Shaw
22 Nov 2019, 7:30
Glasgow fans can only feel shortchanged at the sight of Stuart Hogg lining up against them on Saturday
Less than a handful of games into his stint at Exeter, the Scotland international is poised to quickly remind the Warriors exactly…
Jamie Lyall
22 Nov 2019, 6:38
Saracens call up four of England's RWC final cavalry for Ospreys visit
After another difficult week where they decided not to appeal Premiership Rugby's salary cap punishment, the London club are hopin…
Online Editors
22 Nov 2019, 5:39
Exeter Chiefs simply must put Glasgow to the sword
The win in La Rochelle will count for nothing if Exeter Chiefs can't consolidate at home against Glasgow Warriors in the Heineken …
Alex Shaw
21 Nov 2019, 12:20
Will a European League ultimately be the cure to best finance clubs who are living hand to mouth?
With too many clubs in England and France reporting annual losses and remaining dependent on handouts from generous owners, might …
Liam Heagney
21 Nov 2019, 4:06
Coetzee targets 2021 Lions tour after frustration of RWC standby
It has been difficult for the Ulster forward to cope with the disappointment of missing a second successive World Cup, but setting…
Online Editors
20 Nov 2019, 4:00
Saracens now hit in the pocket with a European fine
Fresh from stating they would not be appealing the £5.3million fine and the 35-point deduction handed out by Premiership Rugby, t…
Liam Heagney
19 Nov 2019, 8:21
Irish fears that RWC reject Kieran Marmion would take up English offer have ended
A starter in the November 2018 win over New Zealand, World Cup rejection hit the Connacht scrum-half so hard that he seriously con…
Online Editors
19 Nov 2019, 3:10
After goading Sale wing, ex-teammate not beyond targeting Stuart Hogg's hair line
On Saturday, Glasgow Warriors will come up against one of their greatest heroes, a man who enjoyed near-god-like status during his…
Jamie Lyall
18 Nov 2019, 0:49
Kiwis in Europe: Owen Franks and Matt Proctor start on right foot in Champions Cup
Owen Franks and Matt Proctor have made winning starts to their Northampton Saints’ careers.
Campbell Burnes
17 Nov 2019, 15:01
'It's tough to take of course' - McCall pleased with Saracens' fighting spirit despite hard defeat to Racing 92
The reigning English and European champions, who were without the majority of their England World Cup contingent, were sunk 30-10 …
Online Editors
17 Nov 2019, 12:50
Champions Cup XV of the Week - Round 1
XV of the week from Round 1 of the 2019/20 Heineken Champions Cup, which saw a clean sweep of wins for the four Irish provinces an…
Alex Shaw
17 Nov 2019, 10:41
Saracens humbled in Paris
Holders Saracens suffered defeat in the opening match of their Heineken Champions Cup title defence after going down 30-10 to Raci…
Online Editors
17 Nov 2019, 9:46
Andy Goode can't resist online dig after Saracens humbling
Former England flyhalf turned pundit Andy Goode couldn't resist delivering a number of digs into Saracens after their humbling at …
Ian Cameron
17 Nov 2019, 9:15
'Dan is the best in the world at what he does'
Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd praised the performance of Dan Biggar after the Wales fly-half kicked 20 points to get hi…
Online Editors
17 Nov 2019, 8:52
Connacht mark return to Champions Cup with giant killing
Connacht marked their return to Heineken Champions Cup rugby in memorable style with a terrific 23-20 victory over Montpellier at …
Online Editors
17 Nov 2019, 7:42
Embarrassed Harlequins' fans not sold on Gustard's promise after 'too many soft losses'
With just one win from their opening four Premiership starts, Harlequins opened their European campaign with a 53-21 humbling at t…
Online Editors
16 Nov 2019, 18:33
'I'll get it right' - Gustard vows to fix Harlequins after 32-point hammering by Clermont
Gustard is well aware that fans will expect more from his team and is demanding a response when Quins host Bath in their second po…
Online Editors
16 Nov 2019, 16:20
'We went away to France in round two last year and got beaten by Toulouse' - Leinster boss wants to avoid another French pantsing
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen hailed his returning international contingent after their 33-19 bonus point victory over Benetton R…
Online Editors
16 Nov 2019, 12:28
Munster make short work of Ospreys in Champions Cup opener
Munster opened their Heineken Champions Cup campaign with a 32-13 bonus point victory over Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.
Online Editors
16 Nov 2019, 12:15
Clermont crush Harlequins in Champions Cup opener
Harlequins suffered a heavy defeat in their Heineken Champions Cup opener at Clermont Auvergne on Saturday, losing 53-21.
Online Editors
16 Nov 2019, 12:08
How a short Dublin walk felt like a millions miles on Saturday for one set of Leinster brothers
The Irish province got their latest Champions Cup campaign up and running against an easy on the eye Benetton on a day of mixed em…
Liam Heagney
16 Nov 2019, 11:09
Garry runs rings around Benetton as Leinster triumph
There was no World Cup hangover for one of Ireland's starters in their quarter-final hammering by New Zealand as he put Benetton t…
Online Editors
16 Nov 2019, 9:58
Exeter secure bonus point win at La Rochelle
The Chiefs' have failed to deliver in the Champions Cup, their European form often a shadow of their Premiership power, but they s…
Online Editors
16 Nov 2019, 9:51
Ulster pay heavy price for win over Bath
Ulster squeezed out a vital 17-16 victory at Bath in their opening match in Pool Three of the European Champions Cup.
Online Editors
16 Nov 2019, 7:37
Glasgow edge out Faf-less Sale Sharks
DTH Van Der Merwe’s try gave Glasgow a winning start to their Champions Cup campaign as they edged out Sale 13-7.
Online Editors
16 Nov 2019, 7:22
Ulster Rugby face anxious wait after both star summer signings injured
Ulster Rugby's two big summer signing look like spending a significant chunk of the season on the sidelines after a double whammy …
Ian Cameron
16 Nov 2019, 6:27
A tale of two very different rugby teams set on one bruising collision course
Two clubs set on very different narrative trajectories will slug it out today. Jamie Lyall previews Glasgow Warriors versus Sale S…
Jamie Lyall
16 Nov 2019, 1:53
Worcester Warriors thrash Enisei-STM in European Challenge Cup opener
Worcester started their European Challenge Cup campaign by running in nine tries in a 57-14 rout of Russian club Enisei-STM.
Online Editors
16 Nov 2019, 1:18
'There is a lot little details if you come into our team you will spot straightaway. One example - we don't have fines'
Kieran Crowley has transformed the miserable fortunes of Benetton Treviso in the last three years and assistant Marco Bortolami ha…
Liam Heagney
16 Nov 2019, 1:02
Gloucester beaten by Toulouse in Champions Cup opener
The Cherry and Whites built themselves a generous interval lead, but they lost their way in the second half with their lineout esp…
Online Editors
15 Nov 2019, 14:53
Saracens in no way weak heading to Paris despite so many missing players
With so much focus foisted on Saracens in the wake of the salary cap scandal, it has crept under the radar that the XV chosen to f…
Josh Raisey
15 Nov 2019, 9:19
Allen Clarke on the fight to ensure his fate at Ospreys isn't similar to fellow Irishman Jackman at Dragons
The Swansea-based club's poor start to this season has sharped the focus on whether their Irish boss can stay the course unlike wh…
Liam Heagney
15 Nov 2019, 8:37
Saracens pick just four of their Champions Cup final XV for opener in Paris
Between the World Cup and the salary cap sanctions, continuity has been difficult at the crisis-hit Londoners who head to Paris wi…
Liam Heagney
15 Nov 2019, 5:18
'As someone from the southern hemisphere, it is a phenomenal achievement just to get out of your group'
Johann van Graan tackles why the Irish province isn't more respected for a quarter-final record bettered by only four rival clubs …
Liam Heagney
15 Nov 2019, 4:36
'Commercially, it has been a disappointment... lots of reasons for that'
When EPCR was set-up following the civil war that ended ERC, organisers believed the new Champions Cup's revenues would monster th…
Liam Heagney
15 Nov 2019, 2:13
It's put up or shut up time for Premiership clubs in Champions Cup
It's a crunch season for Premiership clubs in the Champions Cup as - Saracens aside - they look to bounce back from years of below…
Alex Shaw
15 Nov 2019, 1:31
'I'm picking the French to make up half of this year's quarter-finalists' - Andy Goode
Don’t count Saracens out just because of the salary cap controversy and the club providing so many players to England's World Cu…
Andy Goode
15 Nov 2019, 1:22
'It's about people, 63 young players and 32 staff... the complexities, the dynamics, the feelings of those relationships'
Stuart Hooper thought he still had some time to learn the ropes but Todd Blackadder's early exit from Bath plunged him into the di…
Liam Heagney
14 Nov 2019, 8:15
'Those answers don't just come in 24 hours' - Mark McCall urges patience around Saracens' salary cap drama
The director of rugby is determined to keep his squad as united as possible.
Online Editors
13 Nov 2019, 20:39
'Ever since I have been at Saracens, we have been universally disliked... it's not really new to us'
After dealing with a lively reception from the crowd at Gloucester, Alex Lozowski's Saracens are next off to Paris as they try to …
Chris Jones
13 Nov 2019, 8:59
One pro team's huge turnover: just two players are at Ulster longer than 27-year-old Iain Henderson
Iain Henderson debuted for Ulster as a 20-year-old in 2012 surrounded by a hugely experienced squad... now just two players are le…
Liam Heagney
12 Nov 2019, 11:21
European chairman's stark message for some fellow rugby administrators - stop holding the sport back
Heading into his fifth season as EPCR chairman, Simon Halliday is demanding better governance for professional rugby and calls on …
Liam Heagney
07 Nov 2019, 10:54
The Nigel Wray video message: Don't expect a fire sale
The club provided several members of England’s World Cup final team.
Online Editors
06 Nov 2019, 12:45
Robshaw: Rugby has lost high ground over football thanks to Saracens
Robshaw doesn’t hold his tongue in condemning Saracens’ accounting shenanigans, even though Harlequins were well off the pace …
Liam Heagney
06 Nov 2019, 4:32
Baxter hits full truth mode after Saracens no show at EPCR launch
Saracens were handed a 35-point deduction in this season’s Gallagher Premiership and fined more than £5million for breaching th…
Online Editors
06 Nov 2019, 3:09
EPCR release short, ominous statement on Saracens
The EPCR have released a statement in the wake of the furore over Saracens and their alleged breach of the Premiership salary cap.…
Online Editors
06 Nov 2019, 1:42
Wales fullback Liam Williams could be sidelined for three months
Wales fullback Liam Williams could face a lengthy lay-off after being injured at the World Cup.
Online Editors
30 Oct 2019, 3:06
All Blacks prepared for penalty shootout: 'Out of the forwards, I'd definitely back myself'
If two semifinalists can't be separated after 110 minutes of high-intensity Test rugby, it will all come down to a penalty shootou…
Tom Vinicombe
22 Oct 2019, 0:50
Saracens and Wallabies star confirms his future
Saracens have received a major boost ahead of the new season with the reigning European Champions Cup holders signing up one of th…
Ciarán Kennedy
26 Aug 2019, 2:57
'I read social media posts saying stuff like I should never wear a rugby shirt again - it's all bollocks'
It's 10 months since Freddie Burns' gaffe for Bath went viral and he is proud he didn't play the victim... instead he decided to b…
Liam Heagney
25 Aug 2019, 3:16
Saracens handed belter of an opening Champions Cup tie as 2019/20 fixtures confirmed
Next season's Champions Cup is getting underway just 13 days after the World Cup final in Japan but it is set for a blockbuster fi…
Online Editors
23 Aug 2019, 3:12
RFU just days away from issuing edict on player eligibilty and Brexit
A no-deal Brexit could bring plenty of negative consequences for English rugby, although Premiership clubs have received welcome n…
Alex Shaw
25 Jul 2019, 8:24
Ulster name who will take over as captain following Rory Best's retirement
Rory Best's decision to retire from Ulster has left a big leadership role to be filled and Dan McFarland has nominated Iain Hender…
Online Editors
25 Jul 2019, 3:22
It's rotten luck Glasgow will be up close and personal with Exeter's first real 'statement' signing
It's only now with the recent departed Stuart Hogg booked in for a Scotstoun return with Exeter that the mountain Glasgow have to …
Jamie Lyall
20 Jun 2019, 12:04
Ospreys fans react to their inclusion in the Champions Cup pool of death
Ospreys were thrilled to pip arch Welsh rivals Scarlets to Champions Cup qualification, but their dubious reward is facing Saracen…
Josh Raisey
20 Jun 2019, 1:16
Glasgow supporters react to the return of Stuart Hogg
Stuart Hogg has only recently moved into his new surroundings in Exeter, but the Champions Cup draw has given him a quick return t…
Josh Raisey
19 Jun 2019, 11:18
Champions Cup pool draw 2019/20
Saracens were crowned worthy European champions in May 2019, but the London club now has its work cut out to top their pool in 201…
Online Editors
19 Jun 2019, 5:54
Champions Cup draw: Permutations and potential 'pools of death'
The Heineken Champions Cup draw for the 2019/20 season takes place on Wednesday in Switzerland and we have rounded up all the perm…
Alex Shaw
18 Jun 2019, 5:06
Significant rebrand on the cards for Pro14 finalists
One Pro14 finalists' social media activity suggests that a logo rebranding could be imminent.
Online Editors
03 Jun 2019, 16:13
Champions Cup final with Leinster 'more brutal in terms of the physicality'
Jamie George believes Saracens’ latest Premiership title triumph was the deepest they have had to dig for success.
Online Editors
03 Jun 2019, 1:22
'We were a bunch of misfits… it was the end of the old school era'
It's 10 years since Leinster first lifted the European Cup and Isa Nacewa can't believe the difference in the club between 2019 an…
Online Editors
30 May 2019, 7:17
Will Skelton still in World Cup contention despite new Saracens contract
Ex-Wallabies lock Will Skelton could still yet line up for Australia at this year's World Cup in Japan, despite having signed a tw…
Online Editors
28 May 2019, 20:32
Drums beat louder for a former English prop to return to international rugby
After the news emerged that England and Saracens prop Mako Vunipola will require surgery on a torn hamstring, calls are being made…
Josh Raisey
17 May 2019, 22:14
The Short Ball - s04e14 - The art of the post-championship rugby bender
This week on The Short Ball Scotty Stevenson & Ali Williams review Alex Goode's Heineken Cup post-championship bender, plus Ali is…
RugbyPass
15 May 2019, 21:10
Where to now for Leinster as the 'Drive for Five' continues
There isn’t going to be an attritional decline for this superpower of English rugby for at least three more seasons, which means…
Ben Smith
15 May 2019, 0:35
All good things must come to an end as Alex's Champions Cup party is finally over
Alex Goode kept the world of rugby social media royally entertained since winning the Champions Cup, but his incredible celebratio…
Online Editors
14 May 2019, 6:32
Alex Goode just doesn't stop during Saracens celebrations
Alex Goode concluded Saturday with a third European title and the honour of picking up the European Player of the Year after Sarac…
Online Editors
13 May 2019, 19:28
Wallaby legend attempts to take credit for Brad Barritt's huge performance
Australian rugby legend David Campese has sent an interesting message to Saracens captain Brad Barritt after his side won their th…
Josh Raisey
13 May 2019, 10:03
Billy Vunipola 'the best number eight in the world' - Jamie George
The England number eight was in dominant form as Saracens clinched their third European title in four seasons.
Online Editors
12 May 2019, 21:35
Hateful derision of club drove Saracens players on - Goode
Alex Goode, the European Player of the Year, believes the constant criticism and claims of salary cap breaches has helped turn Sar…
Chris Jones
12 May 2019, 3:01
Heineken Champions Cup XV of the 2018/19 season
The 2018/19 Heineken Champions Cup might be over but our XV of the season rakes over the standout performers from this season's co…
Alex Shaw
12 May 2019, 1:05
Leinster were simply bashed out of the European final by Saracens' domineering defence
Saracens’ defence was truly ferocious in every way, eating up space and bashing Blue at every opportunity. The only time Leinste…
Ben Smith
11 May 2019, 23:14
Saracens boss McCall hails Vunipola for 'doing talking on the field'
Saracens boss Mark McCall hailed a towering contribution by Billy Vunipola following a memorable Heineken Champions Cup final vict…
Online Editors
11 May 2019, 19:25
England reject named European Player of the Year 2019
Despite being unwanted by England, an outstanding European season for Saracens has been capped off with Alex Goode being named EPC…
Online Editors
11 May 2019, 13:57
Maro Itoje: 'It was all part of the master plan'
Maro Itoje has set his sights on another Heineken Cup and Premiership double after helping Saracens outmuscle Leinster to become E…
Chris Jones
11 May 2019, 13:21
Rugby's Twitterati react to titanic Champions Cup final
The rugby world have been reacting to a truly titanic Champions Cup final between Saracens and heretofore reigning champions Leins…
Ian Cameron
11 May 2019, 11:59
Saracens beat Leinster to claim trophy after brutal Champion Cup final
Saracens have won the Heineken Champions Cup after beating Leinster 20-10 at St James' Park.
Online Editors
11 May 2019, 11:07
'It does bother me' - Mark McCall addresses Alex Goode's ongoing England exclusion
Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall admits the ongoing exclusion of fullback Alex Goode from Eddie Jones' England team bothers …
Online Editors
11 May 2019, 3:28
'It's frustrating when Saracens are talked about negatively... but you just have to take the rough with the smooth at the top'
After a decade's service, the retired Chris Wyles believes the often criticised Saracens are 'an amazing story - an unbelievable c…
Liam Heagney
11 May 2019, 1:16
Saracens to edge epic final - Andy Goode
It’s hard to remember a European Cup final that was so tough to call and with two teams at the height of their powers but I’m …
Andy Goode
10 May 2019, 15:58
Clermont Auvergne clinch a record-equalling third European Challenge Cup
Clermont Auvergne clinched a record-equalling third European Challenge Cup final victory by beating La Rochelle 36-16 at St James'…
Online Editors
10 May 2019, 13:57
'Immense' 5 international bench leaves Saracens fans confident
Saracens and Leinster have both announced their teams for what looks to be the biggest Champions Cup final in years.
Josh Raisey
10 May 2019, 8:29
'We've analysed them a lot. They are everything that we thought they were going to be'
The Irish province will set a new European record if they topple Saracens at St James’ Park.
Online Editors
10 May 2019, 8:13
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2025-26 Investec Champions Cup News and Analysis 

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