Champions Cup 2024-2025 Group Stage Draw Revealed
The stage is set for the 2024-2025 Rugby Champions Cup as the group stage draw took place, revealing some exciting matchups. Among the notable reunions, La Rochelle and Leinster will face each other once again in Group 2, continuing their ongoing rivalry from the finals of 2022 and 2023. La Rochelle had previously beaten Leinster in those finals but faced defeat twice this year in the group stages and the quarter-final.
Tough Groups for Top 14 Teams
Reigning champions Toulouse have been placed in a challenging Group 1 alongside English clubs Exeter and Leicester, Irish side Ulster, and the South African Sharks, winners of the last Challenge Cup. Union Bordeaux-Bègles, also in Group 1, will face the same opponents. Stade Français and Castres find themselves in a difficult Group 3 with Northampton, Munster, the Bulls, and Saracens. Meanwhile, Racing 92 and Toulon are in Group 4 with Glasgow Warriors, Harlequins, Sale Sharks, and the South African Stormers.
Key Dates and Final Venue
The Champions Cup will kick off on December 6, 7, and 8, 2024, with the final scheduled for May 24, 2025, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the competition to see which team will succeed Stade Toulousain as the champions of European rugby.
- The draw for the Champions Cup groups for the 2024-2025 season took place this Tuesday, dividing the twenty-four teams into four groups of six. The competition promises thrilling encounters and fierce battles as teams vie for the prestigious title.
- In Group 2, alongside La Rochelle and Leinster, Clermont, Bristol Bears, Benetton Trevise, and Bath will also compete. This group is expected to be highly competitive, with several strong teams in the mix.
- Group 3 features Stade Français and Castres, who will have to navigate through tough opponents like Northampton, Munster, the Bulls, and Saracens. This group is another one to watch closely as the teams battle for supremacy.
- Racing 92 and Toulon, both in Group 4, will face Glasgow Warriors, Harlequins, Sale Sharks, and the Stormers. The diversity of teams in this group adds to the excitement and unpredictability of the matches.
