Irish provinces have won the European Cup on seven occasions since the competition got underway in the 1995/96 season. La Rochelle are reigning Champions Cup honchos, having seen off Leinster in the last two finals.
Our live rugby hub has you covered for all the team news, big moments, best scores, quotes and pundit reactions. It will feature moments like this madness at Stade Marcel-Deflandre, which displeased referee Matthew Carley, and more:
https://twitter.com/rugbyontnt/status/1733873779497943166
At the death, Ciarán Frawley sealed the win with this bomb from Leinster's own 10-metre line:
https://twitter.com/rugbyontnt/status/1733898395675222211
Click on the key point you want to read about, or just keep scrolling to see updates in our live hub [below]:
Irish provinces targeting Champions Cup glory
Here are the fixtures involving the four Irish provinces:
Connacht vs. Bordeaux, Friday 8pm, The Sportsground
Bath vs. Ulster, Saturday 3:15pm, The Rec
Munster vs. Bayonne, Saturday 5pm, Thomond Park
La Rochelle vs. Leinster, 3:15pm, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
On the latest House of Rugby episode, myself and Lindsay Peat ran the rule over each of the four provinces as they got set to embark on their latest Champions Cup journeys.
Ulster's lack of consistency (once again) frustrates and them losing at home to Edinburgh is a big worry. Munster are showing very positive signs and warmed up for their game against Bayonne by blitzing Glasgow Warriors at Musgrave Park. Munster legends Keith Earls and Andrew Conway are getting big send-offs from the faithful during that match-day at Thomond Park, on saturday evening.
"I'm a huge Leinster fan," said Lindsay Peat, "and was delighted they won, but we robbed it. Absolutely robbed Connacht blind. Connacht did deserve to win. Some of their rugby was exceptional.
"Mack Hansen was only back but was unbelievable... I like him at 15. He's an ex-10 so he's obviously a smart player, but he just oozes this 'I don't give a shite' mentality. You'd forgive people for thinking that this lad loves himself but we've met him [on this show] and talked to him before. He's just a really down to earth guy that takes it all in his stride."
Check out that latest House of Rugby episode below.
