Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Set for Another Epic Weekend
Table of Contents
- 1. Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Set for Another Epic Weekend
- 2. Investec Champions Cup Matchups
- 3. Sunday Showdown
- 4. EPCR Challenge Cup Action
- 5. European Rugby Heats Up: Week’s Fixtures
- 6. Saturday Showdown
- 7. Sunday’s showstopper
- 8. What are Chris Paterson’s predictions for the Glasgow Warriors vs. Racing 92 matchup?
Get ready for a weekend of thrilling rugby as the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup return to action on January 10th, 2025.
Investec Champions Cup Matchups
The action kicks off on Friday with a clash between Glasgow Warriors and Racing 92 at Scotstoun Stadium. On Saturday,fans can catch exciting matchups like the DHL Stormers against the Sale Sharks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, while Exeter Chiefs take on Union Bordeaux-Begles at Sandy Park Stadium.
Saturday also features the Hollywoodbets Sharks battling it out with stade Touloussain at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban.Other high-profile clashes include Munster against Saracens at Thomond Park and Stade Francais Paris facing the Northampton Saints at Stade Jean Bouin.
The weekend concludes with Leicester Tigers hosting Ulster at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium and Castres Olympique taking on the Vodacom Bulls at Stade Pierre Fabre.
Sunday Showdown
Sunday brings more exciting matchups, with RC Toulon facing the Harlequins at Stade Felix Mayol, Bristol Bears going head-to-head with Benetton at Ashton Gate Stadium, and Stade Rochelais taking on Le Leinster at Stade Marcel Deflandre. The final match of the weekend sees Bath battling ASM Clermont auvergne at The Recreation Ground.
EPCR Challenge Cup Action
The weekend’s rugby action extends to the EPCR Challenge Cup. On Friday night, Gloucester and the Scarlets will face off at Kingsholm Stadium.
With so many exciting matchups, rugby fans are in for a treat this weekend. Be sure to check out all the action!
European Rugby Heats Up: Week’s Fixtures
Rugby fans, get ready for another action-packed weekend of European rugby! From January 11th to 12th, top clubs will battle it out across various stadiums, promising thrilling matches and intense competition.
Saturday Showdown
The action kicks off on Saturday with a classic clash between USAP and Cardiff at the Stade Aime Giral in Perpignan.Gianlucha Gnecchi will be the man in the middle, while Stefano Roscini oversees proceedings from the Television Match Official bunker. Simultaneously, RC Vannes hosts Edinburgh at Stade de la Rabine. Federico Vedovelli is the referee, with Giuseppe Vivarini on TMO duty.
Further afield,the Black Lion welcome Aviron Bayonnais to the Mikheil Meshki Stadium in Tbilisi. Anthony Woodthorpe will referee this encounter, with Dean Richards providing TMO support.
As the day progresses, the Ospreys face off against the Newcastle Falcons at the Swansea.com Stadium. Kevin Bralley takes charge of the match, assisted by Denis Grenouillet on TMO. Simultaneously occurring, Montpellier Herault take on the Emirates Lions at the GGL Stadium. Ben Breakspear is the referee, with Tom Spurrier as TMO.the weekend’s fixture list concludes with Connacht taking on Lyon Olimpique Universitaire Rugby at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. Hollie Davidson referees this match, with Andrew McMenemy on TMO duty.
Sunday’s showstopper
The excitement continues on Sunday with the Toyota Cheetahs facing Zebre Parma at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam. Peter Martin will be the referee, assisted by brian MacNeice on TMO. Closing out the weekend’s fixtures,Dragons RFC take on Section Paloise at Rodney Parade in Newport. Aimee Barrett-Theron will be the referee, with Marius vd Westhuizen as TMO.
Don’t miss a moment of the action!
What are Chris Paterson’s predictions for the Glasgow Warriors vs. Racing 92 matchup?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Deep Dive into the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Weekend with former Rugby Star, Chris Paterson
By Archyde sports Desk
As the Investec Champions cup and EPCR Challenge Cup return for another thrilling weekend of rugby, we sat down with former Scotland international and rugby legend, Chris Paterson, to discuss the upcoming fixtures, key matchups, and his predictions for the weekend. With over 12 years of Champions Cup experience, Paterson brings a wealth of insight to the table.
Archyde: Chris, thanks for joining us.The rugby world is buzzing about this weekend’s Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures. What are yoru thoughts on the matchups?
Chris Paterson: It’s always an exciting time when the Champions Cup rolls around. This weekend’s fixtures are packed with high-stakes clashes. You’ve got Glasgow Warriors taking on Racing 92 at scotstoun Stadium on Friday, which is a massive game for both teams. Glasgow has been building momentum, but Racing 92 is a formidable opponent. Then,on Saturday,the DHL Stormers vs. Sale Sharks in Cape Town is going to be a cracker. The Stormers have that home advantage, but Sale Sharks are known for their resilience.
Archyde: Speaking of Glasgow Warriors, you’ve played for them in the champions Cup. What do you think their chances are against Racing 92?
Chris Paterson: Glasgow has a strong squad this year, and playing at Scotstoun is always a boost for them.The crowd there is unbelievable, and it can really lift the team. However, Racing 92 is a top-tier side with world-class players. It’s going to come down to who can control the game better—Glasgow’s attacking flair or Racing’s tactical precision. I think it’ll be close, but Glasgow might just edge it if they can capitalize on their home advantage.
Archyde: Let’s talk about the Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Stade Toulousain matchup.That’s another big one on Saturday.
Chris Paterson: Absolutely. Stade Toulousain is one of the moast successful teams in Champions Cup history, and they’re always a tough opponent. The Sharks, conversely, have been building a strong squad and playing at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban gives them a significant edge. The South African teams have really made their mark in recent years, and I think the Sharks could pull off a surprise here.
Archyde: What about Munster vs. Saracens? That’s a classic rivalry.
Chris Paterson: Oh, that’s going to be a battle. Munster at Thomond Park is one of the most intimidating places to play in world rugby. They’ve got that incredible home support, and Saracens will have to be at their absolute best to come away with a win. Both teams have a lot of history in this competition, and I expect a physical, hard-fought game. It’s hard to call,but I think Munster might just have the edge at home.
archyde: any dark horses or teams you think could surprise us this weekend?
Chris Paterson: I’d keep an eye on the Exeter Chiefs. They’re hosting Union Bordeaux-Begles at Sandy Park, and while Bordeaux is a strong team, Exeter has been in great form this season. They’ve got a balanced squad with a mix of experience and youth, and I think they could cause an upset. Also, don’t sleep on the Vodacom Bulls when they face castres Olympique.The Bulls have been playing some exciting rugby, and they could make a statement this weekend.
Archyde: Thanks, Chris, for your insights. It’s going to be an epic weekend of rugby, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
Chris Paterson: My pleasure. It’s always a joy to talk about the Champions Cup.Here’s to a fantastic weekend of rugby!
Stay tuned to Archyde for live updates, match reports, and expert analysis throughout the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup weekend.
