THE DRAW FOR the first-ever European Rugby Champions Cup took place in Switzerland this afternoon and here are the pools.
Munster will face a demanding task in Pool 1 as they come up against Saracens and Clermont, as well as English side Sale Sharks.
Ulster must prepare for an equally-daunting test in Pool 3 as they have been drawn alongside Toulon, Leicester Tigers and the Scarlets.
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Leinster have been picked out of the pot in Pool 2, where they will face Castres, Harlequins and Wasps. In Pool 5, Jonny Sexton’s Racing Métro must take on Northampton, the Ospreys and Treviso.
Pools for the 2014/15 Rugby Champions Cups:
Pool 1
Saracens, Munster, Clermont, Sale Sharks
Pool 2
Leinster, Castres, Harlequins, London Wasps.
Pool 3
Toulon, Leicester Tigers, Ulster, Scarlets.
Pool 4
Glasgow Warriors, Montpellier, Bath, Toulouse.
Pool 5
Northampton Saints, Racing Métro, Ospreys, Treviso.
Round 1: 17/18/19 October 2014 Round 2: 24/25/26 October 2014 Round 3: 5/6/7 December 2014 Round 4: 12/13/14 December 2014 Round 5: 16/17/18 January 2015 Round 6: 23/24/25 January 2015
Always likely when the seeding is done on the top teams from each separate league competition instead of their seeding from previous years tournaments.
Looks pretty even to me. Munster have had incredibly easy draws the last few years, but don’t forget Leinsters group in the season just gone contained the defending Top14 Champions (who finished season as Top14 runners up), the Aviva Premiership runners up (who finished the season as Aviva Premiership Champions and Challenge Cup Champions) the defending Pro12 Champions (who finished the season as Pro12 Champions) and the team with most Pro12 titles to date (Ospreys: 4 championships).
For the easy groups, given a home quarter-final, it’s a pretty straight forward ride to a semi, which Munster have achieved. Now they have a proper group, it will show how far Munster have actually come. (not implying one way or the other, just making the observation)
Murray, you must wonder, as do I, about the quality of your readership. Twice as many red thumbs down as green thumbs up to a mere statement of fact. Would it be, per chance, Munster fans denying the “easy group” status they’ve been given as it might undermine their argument for being amongst the best four teams in Europe, as a semi-final in a European Cup might suggest?
Because last time I checked, the powerhouse of Edinburgh, victorious over Munster, didn’t get within an arses roar of this competition, neither did magnificent Gloucester and as for Pro D2 side Perpingan, well, let’s just say a final play win over there is only for anyone brave and faithful enough to dare show up.
The good thing about this competition is there’s no easy groups and legacy ranking points to avoid the big boys, this is best teams only will survive, Leinster have been doing it for years, now everybody must. No more excuses.
Ulster have a whipping boy in their group so all they have to do is come second at least.
Both Leinster and Munster have one French and two English, quite simply if you beat the French at home first then they’ll not bother in the return leg.
I don’t see what all the whinging is about.
Ulster got seriously hard done by. Leinster and Harlequins have a comparative walk in the park. Group one is an interesting one, would still fancy munster to get out of the group stages.
Feel a bit dirty being excited for this competition, long live the Heineken cup………. sniff
Regarding the seeding system, it’s a bit of a joke this year but from next year on it will be a great driving force in making the domestic leagues more competitive, it will ultimately help the rabo (hopefully).
Would be delighted if no English teams qualify for the knockout after all their drama about the H cup.
Unfortunately Northampton have a soft group but Saracens bottled it against Ulster, am betting they bottle it in thomond park too.
Bit strange that the seeding system didn’t take previous record in the Heineken Cup into account. Toulouse and Northampton are the big winners from this. Pool 1 and 3 are plain scary. Very unlucky for Munster and Ulster.
Ridiculous! What are they thinking…ya think the ERC were bad this crowd don’t have a clue… Saracens, Munster, Ulster & Leicester will probably miss out on QF place at the expense of Ospreys, Montpellier & Quinns. How can they just disregard the what has happened on the Heineken Cup the last few years. They have just diluted what could have being a great tournament.
same could be same for sarries, toulon and clermont, Maurice there made the point of taking european cup history into account, how well would Ulster do if they were in the premiership? the reality is they would do very very well, leaving me to question the legitamacy of sarries, leicester and the saints being ranked above them
I’m open to correction Niall but I think it was scheduled to be in the San Siro in Milan under the Heineken Cup guise, so I’m not sure if it will still be there under the new competition.
The only thing for Ulster and Munster’s groups is that a lot of the teams will take points from each other. Big BP wins at home in Thomond and Ravenhill would help their cause significantly and hope the other teams knick points off each other. A sneaky away win against a big opponent will probably be needed though – and I’d fancy both to do it. The downside of this is that neither group is likely to yield a best placed runners up slot.
There is one plus from this draw. Saracens are liable to get beaten up and knocked out. Clermont will be gunning for revenge and Munster will want to prove themselves against these nouveaux riches.
Given that the Sarries’ Director was the driving force behind driving a spike through the heart of our beloved Heineken Cup, it’d be a delightful irony if they’re dumped out on their asses.
At a basic level, my understanding is this:
The overall pot of money is bigger but there are less teams.
The Pro 12 is getting less teams in the competition but not receiving less money. More money per team but no increase overall.
The French and English are getting the same number of teams but more money per club and overall than they used to.
The pie is bigger but the Pro 12 slice is smaller.
I’d say it has to do with their ability to attract money from tv companies, we are the best supported teams with number through the turnstiles but tv rules the show.
Ya but take Munster and leinster off the ticket and what happens to the tv ratings. It was the Irish traveling supports that made the H-Cup what it’s was. Take the Saracens v Clermont this session a massive staidium only 1/4 full. Saracens where one the driving forces behind the new cup well they got what they wanted . What will they want to change after they limp out in the pool stage.
To be fair, I see the logic in using league performance to rank teams… but disregarding European form altogether was a poor decision. I think a combination of the two would have been fairer. However, I would have shortened the number of seasons taken into account (five), and brought it down to maybe 3. There is quite a lot of player turnover in 5 seasons and I think taking the preceding 3 seasons into account would be more relevant to a team’s current level. Like looking at the rankings there today, it’s laughable that the likes of Glasgow, Racing and Castres who have never done it in Europe, are ranked ahead of teams like Ulster and Clermont who have been knocking on the door for a number of seasons now. And 3 of last years semi-finalists in one group? Come on! It will be make for some epic viewing at the pool stages though….
Good viewing in the pools 1,2 and 3 but only 1 qualifying for the knockouts from each unfortunately,
maybe if they gave the 2 runner up spots to the teams that beat the best teams?
based on european ranking or something to that effect so wins against treviso and the like wont count that much
Noggy thinks for the first time in a few years (he’s including the heino cup obviously seeing as this is the inaugural European champions cup) the draw is a favourable one. Looking forward to the tournament and less of the drama that has followed it all season long this year before it has even begun.
It certainly looks interesting. But I can say with near certainty at this stage that the runners up will come from pools 2, 4 and 5. Which is a shame because pools 1 and 3 obviously have more strong teams, so it means that the quarter finals will be watered down somewhat. Still fancy Ulster and Munster to do the business, but they’ll have to win their groups methinks.
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3 of last years H-Cup semi- finalists in one group. I know it’s a dfifferent competition but come on….
Always likely when the seeding is done on the top teams from each separate league competition instead of their seeding from previous years tournaments.
The previous years tournament doesn’t exist ;-)
Compare Pool 1 and Pool 4. Something has gone terribly wrong with this process…
(Pool 1) Aviva Premiership Runners-Up / (Pool 4) Pro12 Runners-Up
(Pool 1) Pro12 Semi-Finalist / (Pool 4) Top14 Semi-Finalist
(Pool 1) Top14 Quarter-Finalist / (Pool 4) Aviva Premiership just below semi-final
(Pool 1) Aviva Premiership just below semi-final / (Pool 4) Top14 Quarter-Finalist
Looks pretty even to me. Munster have had incredibly easy draws the last few years, but don’t forget Leinsters group in the season just gone contained the defending Top14 Champions (who finished season as Top14 runners up), the Aviva Premiership runners up (who finished the season as Aviva Premiership Champions and Challenge Cup Champions) the defending Pro12 Champions (who finished the season as Pro12 Champions) and the team with most Pro12 titles to date (Ospreys: 4 championships).
For the easy groups, given a home quarter-final, it’s a pretty straight forward ride to a semi, which Munster have achieved. Now they have a proper group, it will show how far Munster have actually come. (not implying one way or the other, just making the observation)
Murray, you must wonder, as do I, about the quality of your readership. Twice as many red thumbs down as green thumbs up to a mere statement of fact. Would it be, per chance, Munster fans denying the “easy group” status they’ve been given as it might undermine their argument for being amongst the best four teams in Europe, as a semi-final in a European Cup might suggest?
Because last time I checked, the powerhouse of Edinburgh, victorious over Munster, didn’t get within an arses roar of this competition, neither did magnificent Gloucester and as for Pro D2 side Perpingan, well, let’s just say a final play win over there is only for anyone brave and faithful enough to dare show up.
The good thing about this competition is there’s no easy groups and legacy ranking points to avoid the big boys, this is best teams only will survive, Leinster have been doing it for years, now everybody must. No more excuses.
And failed in the last two years to make a semi – in fact didn’t even get out of their group 2 years ago !! That’s Leinster by the way not Munster !
Didn’t Leinster have Clermont and Saracens in their group in 2010/11. I recall they won that pretty easily
That’s 4 years ago !
Ouch clermont Saracens and sale some serious matches though
Ulster have a whipping boy in their group so all they have to do is come second at least.
Both Leinster and Munster have one French and two English, quite simply if you beat the French at home first then they’ll not bother in the return leg.
I don’t see what all the whinging is about.
ah jaysus pool 5 is a joke,
If Ulster come out of there group im putting money on them
*they’re
What does the fox say??? ☺
*their
Their
wow i feel smart
their
I am so smart. S.m.r.t.
Ulster got seriously hard done by. Leinster and Harlequins have a comparative walk in the park. Group one is an interesting one, would still fancy munster to get out of the group stages.
Feel a bit dirty being excited for this competition, long live the Heineken cup………. sniff
Castre are French finalists two years running, I wouldn’t rule them out
They do have a tendency to put a higher priority on the top 14 though.
Regarding the seeding system, it’s a bit of a joke this year but from next year on it will be a great driving force in making the domestic leagues more competitive, it will ultimately help the rabo (hopefully).
And Sky are broadcasting it from next year so no doubt they’ll attempt to jazz it up too!
This is crazy games being played on Thursday and Fridays it’s about time spectators fought back against this
I’m with you on this ,games on a Thursday will be taken the piss the irfu better do something
Would be delighted if no English teams qualify for the knockout after all their drama about the H cup.
Unfortunately Northampton have a soft group but Saracens bottled it against Ulster, am betting they bottle it in thomond park too.
Munster have had easy groups the last few years.. this’ll be a big ask.
Bit strange that the seeding system didn’t take previous record in the Heineken Cup into account. Toulouse and Northampton are the big winners from this. Pool 1 and 3 are plain scary. Very unlucky for Munster and Ulster.
yes i like tht give to sarries and sale knobs
Ridiculous! What are they thinking…ya think the ERC were bad this crowd don’t have a clue… Saracens, Munster, Ulster & Leicester will probably miss out on QF place at the expense of Ospreys, Montpellier & Quinns. How can they just disregard the what has happened on the Heineken Cup the last few years. They have just diluted what could have being a great tournament.
Some great games to come!
Munster and Ulster can still qualify if they’re good enough. The English and French teams won’t like seeing them in their groups
Four try BP’s are going to be pretty scarce bar Pool 5
Munster and Ulster have a tough draw but there is no reason why both teams can’t top their groups.
same could be same for sarries, toulon and clermont, Maurice there made the point of taking european cup history into account, how well would Ulster do if they were in the premiership? the reality is they would do very very well, leaving me to question the legitamacy of sarries, leicester and the saints being ranked above them
What’s the story with qualifying from the group? How many go through and how?
Top in each group and three best runners up.
Thanks
Is this a joke ?? 1,2 & 3 as against 4 & 5??????
I’m open to correction Niall but I think it was scheduled to be in the San Siro in Milan under the Heineken Cup guise, so I’m not sure if it will still be there under the new competition.
The only thing for Ulster and Munster’s groups is that a lot of the teams will take points from each other. Big BP wins at home in Thomond and Ravenhill would help their cause significantly and hope the other teams knick points off each other. A sneaky away win against a big opponent will probably be needed though – and I’d fancy both to do it. The downside of this is that neither group is likely to yield a best placed runners up slot.
Where will the final be held?
There is one plus from this draw. Saracens are liable to get beaten up and knocked out. Clermont will be gunning for revenge and Munster will want to prove themselves against these nouveaux riches.
Given that the Sarries’ Director was the driving force behind driving a spike through the heart of our beloved Heineken Cup, it’d be a delightful irony if they’re dumped out on their asses.
Brilliant matches to come, home and away.. Looking forward to it !
What makes you think Sarries will a soft touch?
Intriguing matches lined up for all of the provinces. One thing, I have asked before but never had an answer.
With this new competition, will the IRFU double their income for agreeing to participate?
No they most certainly will not
So the French and English will simply get richer and we won’t?
At a basic level, my understanding is this:
The overall pot of money is bigger but there are less teams.
The Pro 12 is getting less teams in the competition but not receiving less money. More money per team but no increase overall.
The French and English are getting the same number of teams but more money per club and overall than they used to.
The pie is bigger but the Pro 12 slice is smaller.
If I am wrong, please correct me!
Thats the nub of it…
For a bit more detail, this article explains everything: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/apr/11/beginners-guide-european-rugby-champions-cup
Why do the French and English get more money? I’m trying to get this whole thing straight in my head..
I’d say it has to do with their ability to attract money from tv companies, we are the best supported teams with number through the turnstiles but tv rules the show.
Ya but take Munster and leinster off the ticket and what happens to the tv ratings. It was the Irish traveling supports that made the H-Cup what it’s was. Take the Saracens v Clermont this session a massive staidium only 1/4 full. Saracens where one the driving forces behind the new cup well they got what they wanted . What will they want to change after they limp out in the pool stage.
To be fair, I see the logic in using league performance to rank teams… but disregarding European form altogether was a poor decision. I think a combination of the two would have been fairer. However, I would have shortened the number of seasons taken into account (five), and brought it down to maybe 3. There is quite a lot of player turnover in 5 seasons and I think taking the preceding 3 seasons into account would be more relevant to a team’s current level. Like looking at the rankings there today, it’s laughable that the likes of Glasgow, Racing and Castres who have never done it in Europe, are ranked ahead of teams like Ulster and Clermont who have been knocking on the door for a number of seasons now. And 3 of last years semi-finalists in one group? Come on! It will be make for some epic viewing at the pool stages though….
Good viewing in the pools 1,2 and 3 but only 1 qualifying for the knockouts from each unfortunately,
maybe if they gave the 2 runner up spots to the teams that beat the best teams?
based on european ranking or something to that effect so wins against treviso and the like wont count that much
wow that’s some lineup….anybody know where the final will be held?
Noggy thinks for the first time in a few years (he’s including the heino cup obviously seeing as this is the inaugural European champions cup) the draw is a favourable one. Looking forward to the tournament and less of the drama that has followed it all season long this year before it has even begun.
It certainly looks interesting. But I can say with near certainty at this stage that the runners up will come from pools 2, 4 and 5. Which is a shame because pools 1 and 3 obviously have more strong teams, so it means that the quarter finals will be watered down somewhat. Still fancy Ulster and Munster to do the business, but they’ll have to win their groups methinks.