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Friday 31 March 2023 Dublin: 9°C

# Champions Cup

Yesterday
30th March 2023
# Analysis
How instinctive, creative Antoine Frisch has become a key man for Munster
The France native has helped to transform the southern province’s attack this season.
# Sidelined
'These are the weeks that you live for in Leinster' - Ryan back in blue
Second row James Ryan is excited to be back in blue this weekend.
This week
26th March 2023 - 31st March 2023
# Champions Cup
'We don’t suddenly become a rubbish team' - Rowntree demands more from Munster in South Africa
The province flew to Durban last night ahead of Saturday’s Champions Cup clash with the Sharks.
# interpro
Ulster must summon spirit of 2019 against Leinster but take every chance
There was agony for Dan McFarland’s side when the provinces clashed in a European quarter-final.
# johnny
'It's a case of getting better as quickly as possible with the World Cup looming'
Leinster captain Sexton looks likely to miss the rest of the province’s season.
Last week
19th March 2023 - 25th March 2023
# new faces
Ireland U20 Grand Slam winners added to Leinster and Munster Champions Cup squads
Hugh Cooney, Fintan Gunne, Gus McCarthy and Danny Sheahan are all now involved.
# depth chart
Sexton hopes to return before end of season as Leinster assess 10 options
The province’s captain was injured as Ireland claimed the Grand Slam last weekend.
# Update
Connacht hopeful of Bealham return before end of season
Meanwhile, Jack Carty and Denis Buckley are set to miss the Edinburgh tie.
# OFFICIAL
Referees confirmed for Champions Cup round-of-16 clashes
The matchups include Leinster v Ulster and Cell C Sharks v Munster Rugby.
January
January 2023
# last 16
Leinster-Ulster knockout Champions Cup clash confirmed for Aviva Stadium
Munster face Sharks on the same day.
# pool stage
'Too complicated' - Champions Cup format needs focus, says URC chief
Martin Anayi is also a board member of EPCR.
# home comforts
Potential run of Dublin knock-out games gives Leinster tantalising route to title
Munster and Ulster have tough routes to the Champions Cup decider at the Aviva Stadium on 20 May.
# Talking Points
Porter leads Leinster, Ulster impress, Connacht stumble and Munster will miss Ryan
The42 writers look back on the weekend’s action for the province.
# looking ahead
Munster will travel to South Africa for the Champions Cup round-of-16
Graham Rowntree’s side will take on the Sharks in Durban.
# SUAF
Dublin-born Brennan part of Toulouse squad aiming to maul Munster
Graham Rowntree’s side have momentum but face a difficult task at Stade Ernest Wallon.
# Champions Cup
La Rochelle complete clean sweep to qualify, Harlequins hold off Sharks to advance
Hooker George McGuigan scored two tries as Gloucester also made the last 16.
# hard earned
'It didn't feel like a 26-point win' - Leinster's patience pays off against Racing
Leo Cullen reflects on Leinster’s 36-10 defeat of Racing at Aviva Stadium.
# Wrap
Ospreys book last-16 spot with late try while Lyon grab crucial 31-7 win
Ospreys defeated Leicester Tigers and Lyon romped to victory over South Africa’s Bulls in the Champions Cup.
# Team news
Alan O'Connor leads Ulster for must-win showdown with Sale Sharks
Province lost 39-0 to same opponents last month.
# Forward momentum
Ryan and Hodnett earn starting roles in Munster pack for Toulouse clash
Conor Murray returns to match-day squad, while Joe Carbery retains his spot at 10.
# Family
'This is a career where you can end up in a one-bed apartment on your tod'
Ronan O’Gara and his family feel at home with La Rochelle in France.
# Tough Times
Ulster show signs of life in La Rochelle dogfight as knock-out clash with Sale looms
Nick Timoney believes the province are ‘on the verge of getting back into our groove.’
# Room to improve
Leinster setting the pace in Champions Cup but province can still hit another level
Leo Cullen’s side are on an impressive winning streak but can add more to their game.
# les maritimes
ROG, Ryan, and Dillane look to pile more pain onto Ulster
The Irishmen have made a home in the lovely seaside town of La Rochelle.
# Champions Cup
Rowntree opts for Casey and Patterson as scrum-halves as Munster ring changes for Saints
Conor Murray is absent from the squad.
# Key Man
Quiet leader Keenan continues to find his voice at Leinster
The reliable fullback is set to win his 50th cap for the province this weekend.
Last year
2022
# Champions Cup
Henderson: Sale whitewash hasn't undone four years of good work at Ulster
EPCR confirm that Saturday’s game will be played behind closed doors at the Aviva Stadium.
# health check
Sexton and Furlong 'not a million miles away' from return for Gloucester clash
Leo Cullen was a happy man as Leinster left Le Havre on Saturday.
# Allez les Bleus
Leinster show European credentials with ruthless hammering of Racing
Leo Cullen’s men scored six tries in a comprehensive performance on the road in France.
# On The Road
After their travel nightmare, Leinster must be close to best against Racing
Leo Cullen’s side weren’t able to do their captain’s run due to long delays on the journey to Le Havre.
# Ready to go
Ulster name team for Champions Cup opener
It could be a landmark game for Marty Moore, who may make his 50th appearance if called off the bench.
# Stand up and fight
Haley returns as Munster make one change for Sunday's clash with Toulouse
Shane Daly moves to the wing and Keith Earls is on the bench.
# New Era
World Cup winner White warns 'naive' South Africans ahead of Champions Cup debut
White’s Bulls team face Lyon and Exeter this month.
# playmaker
Leinster set for Russell's 'full box of tricks' for Racing 92
Hugo Keenan is expecting a big challenge in the backfield this Saturday.
# European adventure
Kinsella on rugby: Leinster the favourites as Champions Cup enters new era
Province should have won another European trophy since 2018 and will be determined to put it right.
# back at it
Munster boosted by return of Murray and Haley but Zebo set for spell on sidelines
The province welcome French giants Toulouse to Thomond Park on Sunday.
# Settling in
'Hopefully I get to contribute and add to the Munster legacy'
Tongan centre Malakai Fekitoa hopes to put his early struggles in Munster behind him.
# Porridge
'It is a motivation, you want to get to that level and you're constantly trying'
Leinster and Ireland flanker Will Connors is not far off making his return to action.
# coup
URC's Sharks add former France hooker Bru as breakdown coach for next season
After guiding Bayonne back to the Top 14, the former two-time Heineken Cup winner will join the South African franchise.
# Dates For The Diary
Details confirmed for 2022/23 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup
Next season’s Champions Cup will once again see 24 teams split across two pools of 12.