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Champions Cup

Ulster Name Strong Team for Clermont Clash

Ulster have confirmed their 23-man squad for tomorrow’s game with Clermont and they are almost at full strength

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(Photo By Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Ulster have announced their squad for their Champions Cup second-round fixture against ASM Clermont at the Kingspan Stadium tomorrow at 19 45.

The Northern province are without Jack McGrath who is replaced by Eric O’Sullivan in the front-row. 

Alongside him there is the experienced duo of Rob Herring and Marty Moore, as Alan O’Connor and captain Iain Henderson slot in behind them in the second-row. 

The back-row sees Sean Reidy take a place as blindside-flanker, with Jordi Murphy at openside and Marcell Coetzee finishes the pack from No 8. 

John Cooney continues in the half-backs alongside Billy Burns, who signed a new contract extension during the week. While Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall pair up once more in the centre. 

Jacob Stockdale retains the left-wing position, with Louis Ludik on the right and Will Addison remains at full-back. 

There is experience on the bench for head coach Dan McFarland to call upon if needed with the likes of Kieran Treadwell, Nick Timoney and Craig Gilroy among the replacements. 

Speaking ahead of the game McFarland was full of praise for the opposition and knows his side are in for a fight. 

“They’ll be smarting from the fact that they weren’t in the competition last year and will want to put on a good show with their star cast of players,” he said. 

The match will be Ulster’s 150th in the competition and they will need to play well if they are to come out on top against the Top 14 giants and continue their winning start to their European campaign following last weekend’s victory over Bath. 

Check Out the Full 23-Man Squad Below.

Starting XV:

Will Addison; Louis Ludik, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Billy Burns, John Cooney; Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (capt), Sean Reidy, Jordi Murphy, Marcell Coetzee

Replacements:

Adam McBurney, Kyle McCall, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Nick Timoney, David Shanahan, Bill Johnston, Craig Gilroy


Champions Cup

A World First For Munster Rugby And Crusaders

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Munster Rugby and the Crusaders are set to create history in 2024 with a world-first ‘Clash of Champions’ game on Saturday, February 3 (5pm).

The New Zealand franchise secured their seventh successive Super Rugby Pacific championship on Saturday in Waikato defeating Chiefs 25-20 to retain their title.  They are the most successful team in the competition’s history having won 14 trophies and are world renowned for their history and record of success and excellence.

Following Munster’s recent URC success in Cape Town, it will be the first time ever the reigning champions of the URC and Super Rugby face off against each other.

Former Munster Head Coach Rob Penney has already been confirmed as the new Crusaders Head Coach from 2024 and their pre-season campaign will see them embark on their first-ever international tour for fixtures against Munster and Bristol Bears.

Munster Rugby CEO, Ian Flanagan said: “We are delighted to welcome the Super Rugby champions to Munster, hosting a groundbreaking fixture against the Crusaders.

“We hold a proud and rich history of playing touring sides and I’ve no doubt next February’s game will be a special occasion for all involved.”

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, said: “The Crusaders are thrilled to be coming over to Ireland and the UK to face some stiff competition away from home.

“NZ and Australian clubs have been working on the World Club Competition for years, so when an opportunity for Super teams to play Northern Hemisphere counterparts came up, it was just too good to pass up.

“Munster have a history of giving touring sides a pretty hard time, so they present particularly tough competition. There’s also the added connection with our new Head Coach Rob Penney who coached there,” Mansbridge said.

The venue within Munster, and ticket details, will be confirmed in due course. MRSC members will be contacted directly regarding a pre-sale.

Sign up to our mailing list here and be the first to receive information on tickets.

Buy a Season Ticket here.

2024 Crusaders Ireland and UK Fixtures

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Munster Rugby v Crusaders, Venue TBC, 5pm;

Friday February 9, 2024

Bristol Bears v Crusaders, Ashton Gate, 7.30pm;

Images & Content from Munster Rugby


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Champions Cup

Leinster drawn in Pool 4 in the 2023/24 Champions Cup

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The draw for the pool stages of the 2023/24 Champions Cup took place earlier this afternoon in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Leinster Rugby have been drawn in Pool 4, alongside La Rochelle, Stade Francais, Leicester Tigers, DHL Stormers and Sale Sharks.

Leo Cullen’s team will face La Rochelle, Stade Francais, Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks in the four pool matches, with two matches at home, and two matches away.

The top-four teams from each pool will advance to the Round of 16, with the fifth-placed teams moving into the EPCR Challange Cup.

All fixture details will be confirmed in due course.

2023/24 weekends
Round 1 – 8/9/10 December 2023
Round 2 – 15/16/17 December 2023
Round 3 – 12/13/14 January 2024
Round 4 – 19/20/21 January 2024

Round of 16 – 5/6/7 April 2024
Quarter-Finals – 12/13/14 April 2024
Semi-Finals – 3/4/5 May 2024
EPCR Challenge Cup Final – Friday 24 May 2024, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Champions Cup Final – Saturday 25 May 2024, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Images & Content from Leinster Rugby


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Champions Cup

Munster Learn Champions Cup Opponents

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Munster will face Bayonne, Exeter Chiefs, Toulon and Northampton Saints in the pool stages of the 2023/24 Champions Cup.

Munster were drawn in Pool 3 which also includes the Glasgow Warriors.

Munster were drawn as a Tier 1 side alongside La Rochelle, Toulouse and Saracens.

The four highest-ranked clubs from each of the pools will qualify for the knockout stage.

Fixture details will be confirmed at a later date.

Draw

Pool 1

Saracens

Union Bordeaux-Bègles

Vodacom Bulls

Bristol Bears

Connacht Rugby

Lyon

Pool 2

Stade Toulousain

Cardiff Rugby

Bath Rugby

Racing 92

Harlequins

Ulster Rugby

Pool 3

Munster Rugby

Aviron Bayonnais

Glasgow Warriors

Exeter Chiefs

RC Toulon

Northampton Saints

Pool 4

Stade Rochelais

Stade Francais Paris

Leicester Tigers

DHL Stormers

Leinster Rugby

Sale Sharks

2023/24 WEEKENDS

Round 1 – 8/9/10 December 2023

Round 2 – 15/16/17 December 2023

Round 3 – 12/13/14 January 2024

Round 4 – 19/20/21 January 2024

Round of 16 – 5/6/7 April 2024

Quarter-finals – 12/13/14 April 2024

Semi-finals – 3/4/5 May 2024

EPCR Challenge Cup final – Friday 24 May 2024, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Champions Cup final – Saturday 25 May 2024, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Images & Content from Munster Rugby


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