European rugby is preparing for the new edition of l’Investec Champions Cup with a draw for the groups organized this Tuesday at noon, French time.
Rugby fans are getting impatient, especially around Stade Toulousain, the reigning champion.
An unchanged format full of promise
Eight French clubs, eight English and eight from the URC will enter the fray, divided into four groups of six. The format remains similar to last year, maintaining the suspense and the potential for juicy clashes.
But, thanks to a hat system based on results in their respective championships, some big fish will not be able to cross swords at this stage of the competition.
Special protection for championship winners
Stade Toulousain, along with Northampton (Premiership) and Glasgow (URC), all winners of their domestic competition, are placed at the top of the hierarchy. They will not meet and will play in separate groups.
Good news for their groups, who will seek to assert themselves without having to directly confront their toughest counterparts.
Leinster, the unexpected beneficiary
A godsend also for Leinster, who without having lifted a title this season, are benefiting from the exceptional performance of Toulouse, winner of both the Champions Cup and the Top 14.
Toulouse’s double frees up a precious place in this number one potfalling to their Irish rivals who had reached the final.
Thus, the province of Leinster escapes the meetings against the seeded teams, at least at the start of the European journey.
The combinations remain open
While it is now known that these four teams will start in separate groups, the rest of the matches between clubs from the same nation will also be under strict control, with a maximum of two clubs per championship in the same group.
The draw, however, leaves room for numerous combinations for the rest of the clashes.
The suspense is at its peak as the international rugby community has its eyes riveted on this draw which partly shapes the path to European glory.
