Why We Can’t Wait For The Heineken Champions Cup
They’ve barely finished sweeping up the confetti in Japan, but already the focus of the rugby world has shifted; it’s goodbye country colours, and hello club passions, as we prepare for the kick-off of a new season of the Heineken Champions Cup.
The continental showpiece celebrates its silver jubilee this year, and matters get underway this weekend – no rest for the wicked, eh? Ulster are changed with getting Irish interest off to a flyer as they visit The Rec to take on Bath, live on from 12.30pm on Saturday on Virgin Media One.
So what’s the buzz ahead of this year’s tournament? Well, scrum one, scrum all, as we tackle the reasons we’re already counting down to the first whistle…
LET BYGONES BE BYGONES
Look, let’s be honest here; it’s not been an Autumn to cherish for Irish rugby. Disappointment in the Rugby World Cup was an unfortunate way to end the reign of Joe Schmidt – but as quickly as one four year cycle ends, another begins. Players will be eager to propel their provinces towards glory, and maybe catch the eye of new Irish coach Andy Farrell while they’re at it! The new boss will have plenty to keep his eye on too, as…
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Calm down High School Musical fans, you won’t see Zac Efron here. What you will see, however, is all four provinces in action in the blue-riband event – Connacht joining mainstays Leinster, Munster and Ulster in the action. While we’re rarely short of some Irish interest, it’s always better when the entire country has a vested interest. The draw was something of a mixed bag for our boys, though; while Leinster will be confident of progressing, and Ulster can also dare to dream, Connacht may find things tough. As for Munster, well, they’ll be asking the question on everyone’s lips…
WHAT’S THE STORY WITH SARACENS?
Champions in two of the last three seasons – the middle year representing an uncharacteristic blip – are the men in black of Saracens, but things are looking decidedly dark right now. The club have been docked 35 points in their domestic league, and fined a cool £5m, for breaching salary cap regulations, which immediately plunges them into a relegation battle; what it does to their heads, nobody knows. Their no-show at the tournament launch last week might be just the start of it…
THE WORLD CUP HANGOVER
No, we’re not talking about how you felt the morning after New Zealand hammered Ireland; we’re talking about the effects that a mammoth beginning to the season could have on players throughout the year. Five northern hemisphere teams made the quarter-finals in Japan, with two playing the full seven game slate; a lot of intense rugby in the first few months of the season. Add in the emotional toll – not least for defeated finalists England – and you’re talking about a potentially game-changing impact. Time will tell…
Catch Bath v Ulster on Virgin Media One – and stay tuned for games throughout the tournament! Your sporting fix is sorted with Virgin Media; click here to find out more…
