Munster hoping for 'attractive and competitive' group in Champions Cup draw

Munster officials are hoping for an “attractive and competitive” pool ahead of today’s Champions Cup draw. The southern province could be among the top seeds, with a preliminary draw taking place to determine seeding for the pool draw.

With teams ranked based on domestic league performance, the PRO12, English and French champions, the Scarlets, Exeter Chiefs and Clermont Auvergne, are guaranteed places in tier one of the draw. Two of the league runners-up, Munster, Wasps and Toulon, will be added to that top tier. However, top seeding doesn’t guarantee avoiding the tournament favourites Saracens. The two-time champions, who are unbeaten in 18 European games, are in tier two due to losing their Premiership semi-final to Exeter.

Semi-finalists Leinster will join Saracens in a daunting second tier for the pool draw. Ulster will be in tier three, although no Irish teams can be drawn in the same pool.