We can’t wait!
The draw for the 2025/2026 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup has been made, with both Munster and Leinster facing off against familiar foes.
Leinster, who were defeated by Northampton in last season’s semi-finals, have been drawn in Pool 3, alongside Leicester Tigers, Harlequins, Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle), Aviron Bayonnais, and DHL Stormers.
Beacause they are in the URC with the Stormers, they will only play against the four other teams.
As URC champions they were seeded first, and will meet with Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle side for the sixth time in five seasons.
Munster, who were knocked out last season by Bordeaux in the quarter-finals, have been drawn in Pool 2, alongside Bath, Toulon, Castres Olympique, Edinburgh, and Gloucester.
The southern province have their own familiar French side in Castres.
Champions Cup pools:
Pool 1: Toulouse, Clermont Auvergne, Sharks, Saracens, Glasgow Warriors, Sale
Pool 2: Bath Rugby, RC Toulon, Munster Rugby, Castres Olympique, Edinburgh Rugby, Gloucester Rugby
Pool 3: Leinster Rugby, Leicester Tigers, Harlequins, La Rochelle, Aviron Bayonnais, DHL Stormers
Pool 4: Bordeaux Bègles, Scarlets, Bristol Bears, Section Paloise, Northampton Saints, Bulls
Ulster and Connacht, having finished outside the top eight in the URC last season, have been put into the Challenge Cup.
Challenge Cup pools:
Pool 1: Ospreys, Zebre Parma, Montpellier, Benetton Rugby, Racing 92, Connacht Rugby
Pool 2: Lyon, Newcastle Falcons, Dragons RFC, US Montauban, Lions, USAP
Pool 3: Toyota Cheetahs, Cardiff Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, Black Lion, Stade Francais, Ulster Rugby
