Munster and Leinster get tricky Champions Cup knock-out draws

Patrick McCarry

“I’m disappointed they didn’t have Rod Stewart doing this!”

The draws for the last 16 of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions were drawn in Lausanne, this afternoon, with some tasty ties in store for the Irish provinces.

Over on BT Sport, Craig Doyle, Brian O’Driscoll and Ugo Monye all kept us entertained while the draw was being made. Monye enjoyed himself, but would have loved a bit of Celtic-loving Rod Stewart to liven up the process.

Munster have been drawn against four-time European champions Toulouse for their knock-out clash at Thomond Park, in Limerick. Four-time champions Leinster will face a Toulon side that have won the European Cup on three occasions.

CHAMPIONS CUP DRAW

MUNSTER vs. TOULOUSE
GLOUCESTER vs. LA ROCHELLE
WASPS vs. CLERMONT
EXETER CHIEFS vs. LYON
LEINSTER vs. TOULON
BORDEAUX vs. BRISTOL
RACING 92 vs. EDINBURGH
SCARLETS vs. SALE SHARKS

For the quarter finals, Leinster would face the winners of Exeter and Lyon while Munster would be up against Wasps or Clermont if they get past Toulouse.

Marcell Coetzee scores Ulster’s first try despite the tackle of Josh Bayliss of Bath during a Heineken Champions Cup clash in January 2020. (Photo by Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile)

Once again, the draw for the two competitions was a drawn-out affair, with teams pulled out for the last 16, then another draw for home advantage before a third and final draw for potential quarter final match-ups.

In the Challenge Cup, Ulster have been drawn, away, against Harlequins in the last 16 of that competition. That game will take place at The Stoop. If Ulster win that game, they will face Northampton Saints or Dragons in the quarter finals.

Connacht have been drawn away to Leicester Tigers, at Welford Road. Should Andy Friend’s side win that fixture, they would face the winners of Ospreys and Newcastle in the last eight.

Your #ChallengeCupRugby Round of 16 draw! 🏉

Which fixture are you looking forward to most? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Otpz7jl5K9

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 9, 2021