The 2023/24 Champions Cup Draw was announced, with mixed fortunes for the four Irish sides. Munster, as Tier 1 seed, are in a favorable pool, facing Bayonne, Glasgow Warriors, Exeter Chiefs, Toulon, and Northampton. Ulster will play against Toulouse, Racing 92, Cardiff, Harlequins, and Bath.
The new format sees six teams per pool, with clubs playing four matches against the teams not in the same domestic league. This means that Connacht will avoid having to face a strong Bulls outfit and will play Bordeaux, Bristol Bears, and Lyon. Saracens complete Connacht’s pool.
In the pool of death, Leinster will face La Rochelle for the fourth time in a row as they search for their first win over the reigning champions. Stade Francais, Leicester Tigers, the Stormers, and Sale Sharks complete Pool 4.
The new format also sees teams playing just one game against their group opponents, rather than the usual home and away fixtures. With 24 teams in the competition and a round of 16, four teams will qualify from each pool.
The fixture schedules have yet to be decided by EPCR, who will consider the outcome of the draws, league calendar restrictions, individual club calendar restrictions, and broadcast requirements.
Overall, this year’s format presents Irish teams with mixed fortunes, but all have a chance of progressing to a Champions Cup knockout stage. The 2023/24 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup draw have been set, inviting rugby enthusiasts to look forward to an exciting season.
