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2024 Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Exeter Chiefs

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Pool 1 Preview: Toulouse Rugby At The Top

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Pool 1 Preview: Toulouse Rugby At The Top

Pool 1 for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup sees teams like Toulouse, Bordeaux, Ulster, Sharks, Exeter and Leicester compete for club rugby dominance.

Nov 14, 2024 by Philip Bendon
Investec Champions Cup Pool 1 Preview

Pool 1 of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup promises to deliver thrilling clashes, as six elite clubs vie for European rugby supremacy. 

Leading the charge from France's Top 14 are reigning champion Stade Toulousain, or Toulouse Rugby, and runner-up Bordeaux-Bègles, two powerhouse teams known for their electrifying backlines and depth of individual talent. 

Toulouse, with its unparalleled European pedigree, is the favorite, but Bordeaux will be eager to make its mark on the continental stage after narrowly missing out on the domestic title.

From England’s Gallagher Premiership, former champions - the Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers - bring both history and passionate fan bases to the competition. 

Exeter, known for its relentless forward play and tactical prowess, is determined to reclaim European glory. 

Meanwhile, Leicester, underpinned by a rich heritage and a resurgence in recent seasons, aims to outmuscle its rivals under new head coach Michael Cheika.

Representing the United Rugby Championship are the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Ulster Rugby. 

The Sharks, bolstered by a formidable contingent of Springboks stars, bring a blend of physicality and flair that could disrupt the more structured European teams. 

Ulster, the 1999 champion, combines a new-look team, both in the coaching box and on the pitch, with an expectant and hungry-for-success fanbase.

As these teams collide, Pool 1 is set to showcase intense competition, contrasting styles and world-class talent in a battle for Champions Cup dominance.

Investec Champions Cup Pool 1 Key Players

Antoine Dupont – Stade Toulousain

Antoine Dupont, Stade Toulousain’s iconic scrumhalf, combines vision, speed and agility to dictate games like few others. 

Known for his precise passing and game-breaking runs, Dupont leads with intelligence and creativity, orchestrating Toulouse’s potent attack. 

His influence and leadership make him one of the most feared players in Europe and FloRugby's No. 1 rugby player in the world. 

Players Breakdown Antoine Dupont

Damian Penaud – Bordeaux-Bègles

Damian Penaud, Bordeaux-Bègles’ star winger, is a constant scoring threat with his lightning pace and elusive footwork. 

A lethal finisher, Penaud’s athleticism and creativity make him one of the most dangerous players on the wing. His ability to exploit space and break defences is crucial to Bordeaux’s success.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs’ Immanuel Feyi-Waboso brings excitement and raw speed to the backline. 

A young talent with quick feet and deceptive power, Feyi-Waboso has the skill to outpace defenders and finish from anywhere on the field. 

His development is a key focus for Exeter’s ambitions this season following his breakthrough season with the England national team.

Handré Pollard – Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers’ Handré Pollard is a masterful fly-half whose experience and precision make him invaluable. 

Known for his playmaking ability, powerful boot and tactical acumen, Pollard orchestrates the Tigers’ attack with poise and control, making him a steadying force and a game-changer in crucial moments.

Eben Etzebeth – Hollywoodbets Sharks

Secondrow Eben Etzebeth is a force in the forward pack, combining physicality and presence with unparalleled intensity. 

Known for his powerful tackles and set-piece dominance, Etzebeth’s leadership and aggression inspire his teammates, making him a central figure in the Sharks’ push for European success.

Jacob Stockdale – Ulster Rugby

A potent winger who brings speed and finesse to the field, Jacob Stockdale thrills fans with his attacking flair. 

Known for his try-scoring ability, Stockdale’s sharp running lines and tactical awareness make him a game-changing presence, adding unpredictability and dynamism to Ulster’s offensive play.

Investec Champions Cup Pool 1 Key Matchup

The showdown between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and reigning champion Stade Toulousain at Hollywoodbets Kings Park is set to be one of the most anticipated fixtures in Pool 1 of the Investec Champions Cup. 

This clash will pit two star-studded lineups against each other, with each side boasting a wealth of international talent.

The Sharks, featuring key Springboks players like Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, bring a physicality and intensity that could disrupt Toulouse’s more structured style. 

Known for their formidable pack and aggressive play, the Sharks will aim to dominate the set-piece and outmuscle their French counterparts on home turf.

Meanwhile, Toulouse, led by the indomitable Antoine Dupont, will look to unleash their quick, dynamic backline and maintain control through their precision-driven game plan. 

Dupont’s playmaking abilities and his side’s cohesive attacking flair will challenge the Sharks' defense, making this a high-stakes battle of contrasting rugby philosophies.

Investec Champion Cup Pool 1 Prediction

Pool 1 of the Investec Champions Cup is set for fierce competition, but Stade Toulousain’s blend of depth, experience and star quality makes them favorites to top the group. 

With Antoine Dupont directing the play, Toulouse’s lethal attack and structured defense should see them secure first place. 

Close behind is Bordeaux-Bègles, with its dynamic group of backs, led by Damian Penaud, provides the game-breaking ability that could disrupt even the toughest defenses.

The Hollywoodbets Sharks likely are to finish third, powered by Springboks internationals like Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi. Their physical approach could see them upset any side, especially on home turf in Durban. 

The Leicester Tigers’ resilience and Handré Pollard’s tactical control should keep them competitive, but they may struggle against the top teams.

Ulster Rugby, despite Jacob Stockdale’s attacking prowess, might lack the consistency to break into the top half, while the Exeter Chiefs, with a young squad, will be in for a challenging campaign.

  1. Stade Toulousain
  2. Bordeaux-Begles
  3. Hollywoodbets Sharks
  4. Leicester Tigers
  5. Ulster Rugby
  6. Exeter Chiefs

How To Watch Investec Champions Cup Rugby In the United States

The entire Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup are streaming live in the United States and Canada on FloRugby. Match replays, highlights and breaking news will be available on FloRugby and the FloSports app. 

Get To Know Each Investec Champions Cup Pool 1 Club

Toulouse Vs. Ulster Kickoff In Round 1 

UBB Vs. Leicester Kickoff In Round 1

Exeter Chiefs Vs. Sharks Kickoff In Round 1

Ulster Vs. UBB Kickoff In Round 2

Leicester Vs. Sharks Kickoff In Round 2

Exeter Chiefs Vs. Toulouse Kickoff In Round 2

Leicester Tigers vs. Ulster Kickoff In Round 3

Sharks Vs. Toulouse Kickoff In Round 3

Exeter Chiefs Vs. UBB Kickoff In Round 3

Ulster Vs. Exeter Chiefs Kickoff In Round 4

Toulouse Vs. Leicester Kickoff In Round 4

UBB Vs. Sharks Kickoff In Round 4

Investec Champions Cup Format 

Key points of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup:

  • A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
  • 24 elite clubs - eight each from the Gallagher Premiership, URC and TOP 14 - in four pools of six
  • Sporting jeopardy, with each club playing against four different opponents, home or away, in the pool stage
  • Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the Round of 16
  • The Investec Champions Cup will be played over eight weekends, with four pool rounds and four knockout rounds culminating in the 2025 final, which will be staged at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

Investec Champions Cup Weekends

  • Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
  • Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
  • Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
  • Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
  • Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
  • Quarter-finals – 11/12/13 April 2025
  • Semi-finals – 2/3/4 May 2025
  • 2025 Investec Champions Cup final – Saturday, May 24, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Champions Cup Qualifications 

Twenty-four clubs have qualified for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup as follows:

  • United Rugby Championship (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • TOP 14 (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • Gallagher Premiership Rugby (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • If not already qualified, the winner of the 2024 Investec Champions Cup will take the place of the eighth-ranked club in its league.

Investec Champions Cup Qualifiers 

  • TOP 14 – Stade Toulousain, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Français Paris, RC Toulon, Stade Rochelais, Racing 92, Castres Olympique, ASM Clermont Auvergne
  • GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP – Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Sale Sharks, Saracens, Bristol Bears, Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers
  • UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP – Glasgow Warriors, Vodacom Bulls, Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby, DHL Stormers, Ulster Rugby, Benetton Rugby, Hollywoodbets Sharks

EPCR Challenge Cup Format 

Key points for the 2024-2025 EPCR Challenge Cup:

  • A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
  • 18 clubs in three pools of six
  • Sporting jeopardy, with each club playing against four different opponents, home or away, in the pool stage
  • Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the knockout stage
  • Eight weekends, with four pool rounds and four knockout rounds culminating in the 2025 final at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday, May 23

EPCR Challenge Cup Weekends

  • Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
  • Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
  • Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
  • Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
  • Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
  • Quarter-finals – 11/12/13 April 2025
  • Semi-finals – 2/3/4 May 2025
  • 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup final – Principality Stadium, Cardiff; Friday, May 23

EPCR Challenge Cup Qualifiers 

Clubs from the United Rugby Championship, the TOP 14 and the Gallagher Premiership that have not qualified for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup will compete in the 2024-2025 EPCR Challenge Cup.

If not already qualified, the winner of the 2024 EPCR Challenge Cup will secure a place in the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup, replacing the eighth-ranked club in its league.

EPCR Challenge Cup Qualifiers 

  • UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP – Ospreys, Emirates Lions, Edinburgh Rugby, Connacht Rugby, Cardiff Rugby, Scarlets, Dragons RFC, Zebre Parma
  • TOP 14 – Section Paloise, USAP, Lyon Olympique Universitaire, Aviron Bayonnais, Montpellier Hérault Rugby, RC Vannes
  • GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP – Gloucester Rugby, Newcastle Falcons
  • INVITED – Black Lion, Toyota Cheetahs

When Does The 2024-2025  Investec Champions Cup Begin? When Is The Champions Cup Final?

The Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup begin Dec. 6, and the four-round pool-play action ends on Jan. 19, 2025. The Round of 16 starts April 4, while the quarterfinals are April 11-13. The semifinals are May 2-4. 

The EPCR Championships weekend is in Cardiff, Wales at Principality Stadium. There are championship games on May 23 (EPCR Challenge Cup) and May 24 (Investec Champions Cup). 

What Are The Investec Champions Cup And EPCR Challenge Cup Pools?

Here are the pools:

Investec Champions Cup: 

  • Toulouse (Stade Toulousain)
  • Bordeaux-Bègles (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)
  • Hollywoodbets Sharks
  • Exeter Chiefs
  • Leicester Tigers
  • Ulster Rugby

Pool 2:

  • Leinster Rugby
  • Clermont Auvergne (ASM Clermont Auvergne)
  • La Rochelle (Stade Rochelais)
  • Bristol Bears
  • Benetton Rugby
  • Bath Rugby

Pool 3:

  • Northampton Saints
  • Munster Rugby
  • Vodacom Bulls
  • Stade Français Paris
  • Saracens
  • Castres Olympique

Pool 4:

  • Glasgow Warriors
  • Racing 92
  • Sale Sharks
  • DHL Stormers
  • Toulon (RC Toulon)
  • Harlequins

EPCR Challenge Cup

Pool 1:

  • Cardiff Rugby
  • Connacht Rugby
  • Toyota Cheetahs
  • Perpignan (USAP)
  • Lyon Olympique Universitaire (Lyon O.U.)
  • Zebre Parma

Pool 2:

  • Montpellier Hérault Rugby
  • Pau (Section Paloise)
  • Newcastle Falcons
  • Dragons RFC
  • Emirates Lions
  • Ospreys

Pool 3:

  • RC Vannes
  • Black Lion
  • Bayonne (Aviron Bayonnais)
  • Scarlets
  • Edinburgh Rugby
  • Gloucester Rugby

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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