1
Leinster and La Rochelle to renew rivalry as Champions Cup pools named
By Josh Raisey
A new chapter in the rivalry between Leinster and La Rochelle is set to be written next season after both sides were drawn in the same pool in the Investec Champions Cup.
After Ronan O'Gara's side got the better of Leinster in consecutive European finals in 2022 and 2023, Leo Cullen's side exacted revenge last season with a pool stage victory at the Stade Marcel Deflandre and a comprehensive quarter-final victory, before losing in the final.
The pair have again been drawn with each other in pool two alongside ASM Clermont Auvergne, Bristol Bears, Benetton and Bath.
Champions Cup winners, and newly crowned Top 14 champions, Toulouse have been drawn in pool one with Challenge Cup winners the Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers, Ulster and Bordeaux-Begles, who succumbed to a 59-3 loss to Antoine Dupont and co in the Top 14 final on Friday.
Gallagher Premiership champions Northampton Saints have perhaps been drawn in the toughest pool of all alongside United Rugby Championship table toppers Munster, runners-up the Bulls, second-place Top 14 finishers Stade Francais, Castres and three-time champions Saracens.
URC winners Glasgow Warriors are in pool four alongside the Stormers, Top 14 duo Racing 92 and Toulon, and the Premiership's Sale Sharks and Harlequins.
The first round of fixtures will get underway on the weekend of December 6, with the final taking place on May 24 2025 at the Principality Stadium.
The Challenge Cup pools were drawn shortly before the Champions Cup, and are as follows:
Pool 1: Cardiff Rugby, Connacht Rugby, Toyota Cheetahs, USAP, Lyon Olympique Universitaire, Zebre Parma
Pool 2: Montpellier Hérault Rugby, Section Paloise, Newcastle Falcons, Dragons RFC, Emirates Lions, Ospreys
Pool 3: RC Vannes, Black Lion, Aviron Bayonnais, Scarlets, Edinburgh Rugby, Gloucester Rugby
Trending on RugbyPass
2
South Africa vs England player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
3
All Blacks player ratings vs France
4
Netherlands serve up Tier 2 shock as another World Cup side slayed
5
Latest Comments
Funny man.
Go to commentsWhile I thought Pollock and Willis played well and got through a ton of work, I am not sure their contributions deserved quite the level of praise they're getting. Australia were effective at the breakdown, especially in the first half, and their defence held firm against the forwards' assault. England's attack was more effective out wide (albeit with the forwards earning them the right to use that space).
For me, the most important performance for the senior England side - at least in the short term - was Will Porter. He was quick to the breakdown, made smart decisions under pressure, provided excellent support play and delivered the ball accurately. His afternoon was epitomised by his role in Langdon's try - tracking the move from Carpenter's catch, being on hand to pick up the loose ball after Carpenter missed the offload, then smartly changing direction to avoid a tackle long enough to make the long pass to Langdon and give him a walk in.
Given none of the other England scrum halves on display over the road have set the world alight, I think Porter should be given a chance against Japan, perhaps off the bench. He also has the huge advantage that England have finally committed to Marcus Smith, and Porter is now Quins' first choice 9. The understanding they have could make a material difference to England's attack.
Go to comments