Champions Cup: The Four Standout Ties Not To Miss This Season

The remoulding of Europe’s premier competition didn’t exactly go down well on its introduction three years ago, but there’s little doubting now that establishing the Champions Cup has created a competition in which one mistake could prove to be lethal and every single group offers up some mouthwatering clashes.

Following on from Wednesday’s draw in Neuchatel, Switzerland, here are four ties that you would be best advised to park yourself in front of the TV or in the stands for.

Racing 92 v Munster

Normally the match-up of Leicester Tigers and Munster would steal the show after so many European classics over the years, but the two sides met as recently as last season in the pool stages. Therefore, this time around, the plotline of Ronan O’Gara, the Racing 92 assistant coach fresh from winning the Top 14 title in Barcelona, returning to the province where he played his entire career is very special.

Europe’s all-time leading points scorer and appearance holder will no doubt have a lump in his throat returning to Thomond Park for the first time since his retirement. That’s all before remembering that Racing, so hungry for success before the domestic triumph, will be desperate to add a European crown to their collection after missing out in this year’s Champions Cup final.

Connacht v Wasps

PRO12 champions against the rising force (well certainly the richest) of English rugby. Connacht only lifted the PRO12 title to the shock of everybody but themselves a few weeks ago but expectations are already rising about whether or not they can repeat or match last year’s shock factor by progressing in Europe.

Both teams will have been pleased by the prospect of 8-10 points from playing Zebre twice across the group stages, and Wasps will also have a chip on their shoulder following last season’s semi-final defeat to eventual champions Saracens. Considering what Connacht have already achieved and the names being added to the Wasps squad – Danny Cipriani and Kurtley Beale headlining the incomings – this fixture could be very special.

Saracens v Toulon

The reigning champions taking on their predecessors – that should be enough to lure you in. Saracens don’t want to be a one-title wonder; their aim is to emulate Toulon and win multiple trophies to become a dynasty.

History tells us that going back-to-back in Europe is enormously hard – only Leicester (2001 and 2002) and Leinster (2011 and 2012) have managed it. Along with, guess who, Toulon. Saracens by far and away were the best side in Europe in 2015/2016 and Toulon will be enraged by finishing their campaign without any silverware to their name. These two also have history – the 2014 final – adding some extra spice to what will be a mammoth match-up over the two games.

Exeter v Clermont v Bordeaux-Bègles

Premiership finalists for the first time in 2015/2016, Exeter Chiefs’ rise shows no signs of slowing down. They made this season’s European Cup quarter-finals off the back of Clermont’s implosion at home to… Bordeaux-Bègles. Pairing these three together the following season only seems right after that day of drama to decide the quarter-finals spots, and there are plenty of additional subplots at play as all three sides prepare to do battle once more.

Can Exeter’s squad handle two tough trips to France and improve on last season’s two defeats? How will Clermont bounce back after missing out on the knockout stages for the first time in four seasons? And will UBB, one of the fastest rising sides in France with flash new signings in Rebels lock Luke Jones and Leinster’s Ian Madigan, be able to cause an upset?

Fixtures have yet to be confirmed but the tournament gets underway in mid October.