Simon Lewis previews the 20 teams aiming for glory as the Champions Cup kicks off this weekend.

Even in their darkest days - and there has been far too many lately for a rugby nation like France — the one constant has been the power and efficiency of their set piece, writes Donal Lenihan.

Packing down in France’s ProD2 is a rite of passage for forward play. Little wonder it’s delivering readymade talent for the national side, says James Harrington.