#Champions Cup

News about rugby's European Cup competition

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

Max Deegan scores a try 17/1/2026
Leinster labour to win against battling Bayonne
The victory on the road guarantees a home quarter-final in the Champions Cup. 

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Launch of the AIB GAA Hurling Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Finals 14/1/2026
Sportsguide: All-Ireland senior club finals, final pool games in Champions and Challenge Cup and Basketball finals
It is another action packed weekend of sport with the All-Ireland senior club football and hurling finals, the final round of the pool stages in Champions and Challenge Cups and the Basketball finals at the National Basketball Arena - all you need to know here.

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Will Collier arrives 12/4/2025
Will Collier: 'We have a big history with Munster and, yes, it will be difficult, but I think we have the belief'
“There’s a lot riding on this game, for us and them,” he said of Saturday’s early evening match. “We’ve prepared like it’s a finals match.” 

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Michael Ala'alatoa inspects the pitch before the game 2/1/2026
Ala’alatoa relishing regular rugby as Munster scrum gathers momentum
Former Leinster prop Michael Ala’alatoa reflects on a rapid Munster move, family upheaval and a growing influence in the scrum

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Alfie Barbeary celebrates Tom Dunn scoring a try 16/1/2026
Barbeary shows class as Bath score nine tries to race into Champions Cup last 16
Two tries for Cokanasiga while front-rowers all score, too

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

Rieko Ioane with fans after the game 10/1/2026
Leinster still waiting for Rieko Ioane to replicate the Jordie Barrett effect
Ioane is listed among the replacements for Leinster’s closing Champions Cup pool game away to Bayonne

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

Niall Scannell, Jack Crowley, Diarmuid Barron, Brian Gleeson and Gavin Coombes dejected after the game 11/1/2026
Munster v Castres in the Champions Cup: kick-off time, TV details and team news
It is the final round of the group stage in the Champions Cup with Munster back on home soil to take on Castres.

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

Virgin Media Television Rugby Launch
Conor Murray: 'He'll pick players that are playing the best. He doesn't look at age'
The Patrickswell native did take a positive from the fact Munster were moments away from a famous victory on the road and he backed his old side to win against Castres at Thomond Park tomorrow and ultimately advance to the knockout phase of Europe’s top-tier.

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

Brian Gleeson 13/1/2026
Brian Gleeson buzzing again as Munster forward targets full shift against Castres
A strong showing for Gleeson against Castres could also help the Tipperary man reach a personal goal, with Andy Farrell set to name his Ireland squad for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations campaign next Wednesday. 

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

Your sport on TV this week: All-Ireland Club senior finals, Champions and Challenge Cup and Premier League
Your sport on TV this week: All-Ireland Club senior finals, Champions and Challenge Cup and Premier League
It is another action packed weekend of sport on tv with the All-Ireland Club senior football and hurling finals, the Champions and Challenge Cup final group games and the Premier League - all you need to know here. 

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

Ulster v Munster - United Rugby Championship
Toulon v Munster in the Champions Cup: kick-off time, TV details and team news
It's back to European rugby this weekend and Munster make the trip to France to take on Toulon on Sunday afternoon.

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

RUGBYU-FRA-TOP14-LA ROCHELLE-TOULON
Toulon head coach: 'We have a hellish schedule. We’re not robots. We’re asked to play 11 months every year'
The squad for Sunday's must-win match against Munster will be big-name, big-game Toulonnais

Sat, 10 Jan, 2026

Clayton McMillan arrives 2/1/2026
Clayton McMillan doesn't want Munster to put big European games on a pedestal ahead of Toulon clash
“We can't get excited when we're playing on a big stage in front of big crowds in the European Cup and then not show up on other nights when it's half-snowing, it's a five, six-hour bus trip away from where we are. These are the nights where we actually need to front up, and that's what disappoints me.”

Sat, 10 Jan, 2026

RUGBYU-FRA-TOP14-LA ROCHELLE-TOULON
S Ronan O'Gara: Drawing a line after humiliation against Toulouse and preparing for Leinster
We are starting a new, thrilling project with young exciting talent in La Rochelle but it will take some time. Is there the patience to wait? Have we got that time? Have I got that time? 

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Rugby Podcast Special: Munster and Leinster's imperfect wins 
Rugby Podcast Special: Munster and Leinster's imperfect wins 
Simon Lewis and Brendan O’Brien talk through Munster and Leinster’s imperfect wins in round 2 of the Champions Cup pool stages.

 Listen | Sun, 14 Dec, 2025

 Listen |
Ben O'Connor 1/12/2025
Sportsguide: Munster v Gloucester, All-Ireland Club Camogie and Ladies finals
It is another action packed weekend of sport with the second round of the Champions Cup with Munster heading to the home of Cork GAA to face Gloucester, the All-Ireland Club Camogie and Ladies finals take place - all you need to know here.

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

Michael Ala'alatoa 9/12/2025
Munster face 'must-win' night in Cork after Bath blowout
Clayton McMillan said there are "lots of little lessons" for Munster from the defeat to Bath. Though he added they do not need to start looking for problems where there are none

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

Tommy O’Brien and Caelan Doris celebrate Dan Sheehan’s try 12/12/2025
Leinster grind out win against gritty Leicester
Leo Cullen and co will be happy to get out of town with four competition points, given the nature of the contest.

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

Andrew Smith arrives 5/4/2025
S Ronan O'Gara: Suffering on safari, Munster fans' blind loyalty, me in my box
Our intrepid columnist finds himself in reflective mood after another brush with authority, admiring Munster's support from afar and, all the while, mixing with the wildlife on South Africa's most southerly tip

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

Leinster v Harlequins - Investec Champions Cup
Jack Conan: 'If I was paying a lot of money to see my team away it would be frustrating'
Many of the opening round games in this season's Champions Cup were undermined by clubs playing understrength teams

Thu, 11 Dec, 2025

Australia v British & Irish Lions - 2nd Test
Lions tour changed England lock's preconceptions about Irish players
Getting to know the Irish players changed the preconceptions Ollie Chessum had built up in his mind about them.

Thu, 11 Dec, 2025

Andrew Sparrow, Jack Conan, Tadhg Furlong and Jamison Gibson-Park 8/12/2025
Why Welford Road trip might be what Leinster need right now
“Where we're going on Friday, you’ve got to get it right because the level of the opposition, the venue, the European stage, everything needs to be ironed out," said Leinster forwards coach Robin McBryde

Tue, 09 Dec, 2025

Michael Ala'alatoa dejected after the match 6/12/2025
S Donal Lenihan: Michael Ala’alatoa the only bright spark for Munster on chastening night
This was just about the worst possible launchpad for a campaign of this calibre, but Munster are more than capable of responding against Gloucester at PĂĄirc UĂ­ Chaoimh.

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

Northampton Saints v Union Bordeaux-Begles - Investec Champions Cup 2024/2025 Final
S Ronan O'Gara: Don't judge until you've walked a mile in my moccasins
With injuries mounting, disciplinary hearings looming and a punishing run of fixtures ahead, Ronan O’Gara reflects on Pau and the European road

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

JJ Hanrahan 1/12/2025
Leamy backs Munster’s road-hardened smarts for Bath Champions Cup test 
Munster face Bath in their opening game of the Champions Cup knowing they will need their best performance of the season to leave the the Rec with something meaningful

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Tom Farrell is tackled by Warrick Gelant 29/11/2025
Munster’s Tom Farrell calls for ‘complete performance’ ahead of clash with Bath
Tom Farrell says Munster must hit every mark — attack, defence and set-piece — as they open Europe away to resurgent Bath

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Clayton McMillan with Johann van Graan 12/9/2025
S Duncan Casey: Munster need everything onside at The Rec - including some good old grudge
You can’t argue with what Van Graan has achieved since the move to Bath - they were a basket case when he arrived but have gone from strength to strength since

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

Wales v South Africa - Quilter Nations Series - Principality Stadium
S Donal Lenihan: Springboks supremacy aided by eight man bench - does World Rugby need to revisit rule?
How is it safe for an out half or centre, with 70 minutes of game time behind him, to have to tackle a fresh rampaging behemoth stationed in midfield off a line out, ready to explode down his channel?

Wed, 03 Dec, 2025

Thirty years of Champions Cup has given us the beastly, beautiful and bizarre
Thirty years of Champions Cup has given us the beastly, beautiful and bizarre
Bloodgate, the ‘Hand of Back’ and a drop goal off ‘someone’s arse’ are among the tournament’s delightful eccentricities - and Munster’s contribution to European history is also impossible to overlook

Tue, 02 Dec, 2025

A view of the Investec Champions Cup trophy and match ball 24/5/2024
Champions Cup draw: O'Gara and Leinster to renew acquaintances, Munster to face van Graan's Bath
In the Challenge Cup, Connacht will come up against the likes of Racing 92 and Ospreys in Pool 1, with Zebre, Montpellier and Benetton rounding out the group

Tue, 01 Jul, 2025

Northampton Saints v Union Bordeaux-Begles - Investec Champions Cup - Final - Principality Stadium
S Duncan Casey: If the TMO must intervene, Champions Cup final was a model of efficiency
Bordeaux's attack coach is Irishman Noel McNamara. His journey to the pinnacle of professional rugby is unusual. 

Tue, 27 May, 2025

Leinster Rugby Squad Training
Jamie Osborne: If I want to be in the Leinster team I need to be just as good as Jordie Barrett
Jordie Barrett’s levels of communication, his ability to scan the field and see the right pictures, allied to his professionalism, have all been noted and digested by Jamie Osborne. 

Thu, 08 May, 2025

Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber 5/5/2025
Leinster's Jacques Nienaber: There is no magic formula to get the team to win
Nienaber’s “gut” instinct when Caelan Doris came off after 57 minutes of Leinster Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton was not good. The backrow's Lions tour is in serious jeopardy. 

Tue, 06 May, 2025

Leinster v Northampton Saints - Investec Champions Cup Semi-Final
S Peter Jackson: Leinster fans must wonder if their team are under a curse
To cite French referee Pierre Brousset’s denial of a last-minute penalty try as an excuse for Leinster's knock-out is to evade more pointed questions over their leadership.

Mon, 05 May, 2025

Jordie Barrett and Stafford McDowall 11/4/2025
Jordie Barrett's big moments injecting energy and belief into Leinster
The stats, impressive as they were, don’t even do him justice. His running lines and power meshed with a delicious offload game. He chipped in with at least three turnovers. He made one breathtaking chase back and clearance. He even collected a lineout.

Mon, 14 Apr, 2025

Josh Wycherley tackles Pablo Uberti 12/4/2025
Munster fight to the death but rampant Bordeaux sparkle on way to semi-final spot
A return trip to France seven days after La Rochelle heroics saw Munster run out of road

Sat, 12 Apr, 2025

Your sport on TV this week: Munster v Bordeaux Bègles, The Masters and Super League finals
Your sport on TV this week: Munster v Bordeaux Bègles, The Masters and Super League finals
It is another action packed weekend of sport on TV with the Champions Cup quarter-finals, The Masters at Augusta and the basketball Super League finals - all you need to know here.

Thu, 10 Apr, 2025

Leinster Rugby Squad Training
Jordie Barrett happy to be outside his comfort zone at Leinster
Barrett will be expected to add something extra to a Leinster side that has fallen inches short of silverware the last three years.

Thu, 10 Apr, 2025

Leinster Rugby Squad Training
Snyman comfortable with fitting in and standing out at Leinster
Snyman will bring all these rugby and life lessons to bear again this Friday when Leinster face Glasgow in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup at the Aviva Stadium, and he has no hesitation in sharing those experiences with his current teammates.

Wed, 09 Apr, 2025

La Rochelle v Munster - Investec Champions Cup Round of 16
Bordeaux Bègles v Munster: What time, what channel and all you need to know about the Champions Cup quarter-final
Munster have a short turnaround after their epic win over La Rochelle to prepare to return to France to face Bordeaux Bègles.

Tue, 08 Apr, 2025

Jack Crowley and Craig Casey celebrate winning the match 5/4/2025
S Peter Jackson: Munster win over Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle the game that saved the Round of 16 weekend
On a day when Andy Farrell saw one English fly half suffer from his exposure to Leinster, another whom he knows rather better kicked his first goals since early September.

Mon, 07 Apr, 2025

Bordeaux Begles v Ulster - Investec Champions Cup Round of 16
Richie Murphy: 'You’ve always got a chance, it’s a very difficult place to come. The atmosphere will be incredible, we wish them all the best'
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy outlined just how difficult their task will be after he watched his charges ship three early tries, the first a beauty from Damien Penaud, to trail 21-0 after 21 minutes.

Mon, 07 Apr, 2025

Jack Crowley scores a drop goal 5/4/2025
As it happened: Munster stun Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle in the Champions Cup
Munster face the Ronan O'Gara-coached La Rochelle in the last-16 of the Champions Cup. The game kicks off at 5:30pm. 

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Leinster v Harlequins - Investec Champions Cup - Croke Park
'Phenomenal' Leinster are the 'envy' of other clubs, says Harlequins coach Danny Wilson
Wilson was speaking in the hour after his Quins team was beaten 62-0 by the province in the Champions Cup round of 16

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

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