logo
Champions Cup and Challenge cup draws announced for next season

Champions Cup and Challenge cup draws announced for next season

The draws for both European Rugby competitions - the Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup - have been announced and there is some fascinating match ups once again for the upcoming season.
In the Challenge Cup, Connacht will come up against the likes of Racing 92 and Ospreys in Pool 1, with Zebre, Montpellier and Benetton rounding out the group.
In Pool 3, Ulster will take on two former winners of the Champions Cup in Stade Francais and the Exeter Chiefs. Toyota Chiefs, Cardiff and Black Lion round out that group.
Pool 2 will feature Lyon, Newcastle Falcons, Dragons, US Montauban, Lions and USAP.
The draw for Rugby's premier European competition will be announced shortly.
More to follow...
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Spain star Bonmati recovering well from meningitis, says coach Tome
Spain star Bonmati recovering well from meningitis, says coach Tome

The 42

timean hour ago

  • The 42

Spain star Bonmati recovering well from meningitis, says coach Tome

AITANA BONMATI IS on the road to recovery from the viral meningitis scare which has kept her out of Spain's Euro 2025 opener against Portugal, coach Montse Tome said on Wednesday. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Bonmati was hospitalised last week after being struck with the illness, but is back training with the Spain squad ahead of the world champions' Group B debut in Bern on Thursday. 'Aitana is making good progress. Yesterday she did part of her training with the rehabilitation specialist, but she was working completely separately,' said Tome. 'Today she will do some work with the team, but we have to slow her down. Her health is paramount.' Advertisement Midfielder Bonmati is the biggest star of the women's game and her absence in the lead-up to the tournament is a major setback for Spain's hopes of winning their first European title. Her Barcelona teammate and fellow double Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas will have extra responsibility on her shoulders in Spain's campaign in Switzerland. – © AFP 2025

Doak makes two changes to Ireland U20s side for Italy clash
Doak makes two changes to Ireland U20s side for Italy clash

Irish Examiner

time2 hours ago

  • Irish Examiner

Doak makes two changes to Ireland U20s side for Italy clash

Ireland head coach Neil Doak has side for Friday's clash with hosts Italy in the World Rugby U20 Championship The game takes place at 7.30pm (Irish time) in Stadio Luigi Zaffanella in Viadana. There are two changes to the starting XV from the win over Georgia on Sunday. Scrumhalf Will Wootton starts along with Alex Usanov, while Connacht's Éanna McCarthy again captains the side. Charlie Molony, Paidi Farrell and Derry Moloney continue again in Ireland's back three, with Eoghan Smyth and Ciarán Mangan making up the midfield pairing. Tom Wood is at out-half and is joined in the half-backs by Wootton. In the pack, Usanov, Henry Walker and Alex Mullan are in the front row, Mahon Ronan and Billy Corrigan are in the engine room and Luke Murphy joins Michael Foy and McCarthy in the back row. Mikey Yarr, Billy Bohan, Tom McAllister, Conor Kennelly and Bobby Power are the forwards available to Doak and his Coaching Team on the bench, with backs Clark Logan, Sam Wisniewski and Daniel Green completing Ireland's 23. Ireland U20: C Molony; P Farrell, C Mangan, E Smyth, D Moloney; T Wood, W Wootton; A Usanov, H Walker, A Mullan; M Ronan, B Corrigan; M Foy, É McCarthy (capt), L Murphy. Replacements: M Yarr, B Bohan, T McAllister, C Kennelly, B Power, C Logan, S Wisniewski, D Green.

Arne Slot appoints former Arsenal star as part of Liverpool coaching staff for 2025/26 Premier League season
Arne Slot appoints former Arsenal star as part of Liverpool coaching staff for 2025/26 Premier League season

The Irish Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Arne Slot appoints former Arsenal star as part of Liverpool coaching staff for 2025/26 Premier League season

GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST has joined Arne Slot's Liverpool backroom staff. The former Arsenal defender and fellow Dutchman will join the Premier League champions as assistant coach after John Heitinga left to be Ajax head coach. Advertisement 4 Van Bronckhorst was sacked by Besiktas in December 2024 Credit: GETTY 4 Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season as Liverpool manager Credit: GETTY 4 Van Bronckhorst joined the Gunners in 2001 Credit: GETTY The 50-year-old will add huge experience after bossing some European big hitters. Van Bronckhorst became the manager of He spent one season with His most recent job was at Besiktas - but it did not end well. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Van Bronckhorst took charge in 2024 and after 20 matches, he was relieved of his duties following four losses in their last six. GVB had a successful playing career, notably at Arsenal, where he won the FA Cup in 2003. Following that, he had a loan spell at During his time at the Nou Camp, he won the Champions League in 2006 and two LaLiga titles back-to-back in 2005 and 2006. Advertisement Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Van Bronckhorst will be joins a Liverpool side that dominated the Prem last season but will also play a key role in integrating new summer signings Liverpool also announced departures ahead of the 2025/26 season. Liverpool REJECT Bayern Munich approach for Luis Diaz Fabian Otte and Claudio Taffarel, both part of the Reds' goalkeeper coaching staff, will be leaving the club. Advertisement This follows the return of Xavi Valero, who has been appointed as the new head goalkeeper coach. Valero previously worked under Rafa Benítez at Liverpool back in 2007. 4 The Reds won the Premier League with 84 points Credit: GETTY

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store