2024/25 Pool Draws

[Leonormous Boozer]

https://www.epcrugby.com/champions-...ource=Social&utm_medium=Organic&utm_campaign=

That's a bit of a stinker for us. Stupid format makes these boring asf though.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Investec Champions Cup Pools 2024/25
Pool 1: Stade Toulousain, Union Bordeaux Bègles, Hollywoodbets Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers, Ulster Rugby

Pool 2: Leinster Rugby, ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Rochelais, Bristol Bears, Benetton Rugby, Bath Rugby

Pool 3: Northampton Saints, Munster Rugby, Vodacom Bulls, Stade Français Paris, Saracens, Castres Olympique

Pool 4: Glasgow Warriors, Racing 92, Sale Sharks, DHL Stormers, RC Toulon, Harlequins

EPCR Challenge Cup Pools 2024/25
Pool 1: Cardiff Rugby, Connacht Rugby, Toyota Cheetahs, USAP, Lyon Olympique Universitaire, Zebre Parma

Pool 2: Montpellier Hérault Rugby, Section Paloise, Newcastle Falcons, Dragons RFC, Emirates Lions, Ospreys

Pool 3: RC Vannes, Black Lion, Aviron Bayonnais, Scarlets, Edinburgh Rugby, Gloucester Rugby

I can't even remember how the pools work - do you play everyone in your pool but it's a toss up as to whether that's home or away?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I can't even remember how the pools work - do you play everyone in your pool but it's a toss up as to whether that's home or away?

Everyone once that isn't on the same league and 4 of 6 go through if I remember correctly. With the exception of winning every game with a bp and getting a top 2 seed there's little enough difference between winning 2 and 4 games.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Fml

 

[big ginger 8]

Yay, more comments from everyone's favourite poster.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Sounds like it'll be home to LAR (*****) and Bath for us. Might make the Clermont trip. Always wanted to go to Stade Marcel Michelin

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Everyone once that isn't on the same league and 4 of 6 go through if I remember correctly. With the exception of winning every game with a bp and getting a top 2 seed there's little enough difference between winning 2 and 4 games.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Mad how much Leinster and La Rochelle play each other

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Mad how much Leinster and La Rochelle play each other

ROG is going to take them to San Diego to show them where he's from before the game I hear.

 

[Groundhog]

Mad how much Leinster and La Rochelle play each other

Sorry but we have to play Castres and Northampton a ridiculous amount. This year aside we historically have the better of these games, but Christ give me some variety.

 

[munstermuffin]

https://www.epcrugby.com/champions-...ource=Social&utm_medium=Organic&utm_campaign=

That's a bit of a stinker for us. Stupid format makes these boring asf though.

Leinster will be happy with that pool.
La Rochelle aren't great anymore.
Bristol and Clermont will be relatively straight forward and should beat Bath.

We have a tough pool but would be hopeful we qualify.
All depends on who is home and away.

 

[Which Tyler]

https://www.epcrugby.com/champions-...ource=Social&utm_medium=Organic&utm_campaign=

That's a bit of a stinker for us. Stupid format makes these boring asf though.

Stupid format, but TF we don't have any South Africans in our group; means I can be merely disinterested rather than actively boycotting.

 

[munstermuffin]

Stupid format, but TF we don't have any South Africans in our group; means I can be merely disinterested rather than actively boycotting.

An interesting point that was brought up by Will Greenwood and he had a point. Irish/Scottish teams have a slight advantage as we can't be drawn with South Africans. So we will never be impacted by travel.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

An interesting point that was brought up by Will Greenwood and he had a point. Irish/Scottish teams have a slight advantage as we can't be drawn with South Africans. So we will never be impacted by travel.

What a joke

 

[munstermuffin]

What a joke

I never even noticed that until now. I thought last year that Leinster had a possibility of going to South Africa in pools but ended up away to La Rochelle. But well yeah.

Great to have our Honourary Europeans looking after us. In fairness we still have to go outside Europe to yourselves

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I never even really considered it before, it really is a kick in the ***s - Ireland force it on us and then we have to pay for it despite Ireland rolling in cash compared to the Prem

Said it before but Rob Baxter said that having an away game to South Africa in Europe means you lose money on your whole European campaign, because margins are so fine and SA travel/accommodation (and presumably increased insurance?) is so high

 

[Saintjay]

Why is this rule even a thing?

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Mad how much Leinster and La Rochelle play each other

and us and racing.

3 years in a row now

 

[munstermuffin]

I never even really considered it before, it really is a kick in the ***s - Ireland force it on us and then we have to pay for it despite Ireland rolling in cash compared to the Prem

Said it before but Rob Baxter said that having an away game to South Africa in Europe means you lose money on your whole European campaign, because margins are so fine and SA travel/accommodation (and presumably increased insurance?) is so high

In fairness it only Leinster rolling in it as they get all their players for free (awaiting @Leonormous Boozer to come now )

But Baxter has a point. Also BT have yet to confirm they will be on board but is expected but mumblings are there could be a few new kick off times.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I never even really considered it before, it really is a kick in the ***s - Ireland force it on us and then we have to pay for it despite Ireland rolling in cash compared to the Prem

Said it before but Rob Baxter said that having an away game to South Africa in Europe means you lose money on your whole European campaign, because margins are so fine and SA travel/accommodation (and presumably increased insurance?) is so high

All fall out from the PRL and LNR power grab.