Sunday December 10th
La Rochelle vs Leinster Rugby – Stade Marcel Deflandre, 15:15 KO
We are set to experience a case of deja vu, as Ronan O’Gara’s side take on Leinster for a blockbuster opening round match contest. In what is a repeat of the 2022 and 2023 Champions Cup Finals, La Rochelle host Leinster, with revenge firmly on the mind of the Dublin side, after back-to-back finale defeats. The script couldn’t have been written any better for this clash in Pool 4, and it is certainly the marquee match-up in this weekend’s fixture list.
On the search for a record-equalising third consecutive Champions Cup title, La Rochelle begin their campaign with a reunion against an old foe. Ronan O’Gara has taken his men to new heights during his time in charge, and is eyeing up a battle against the club he rivalled the most, during his Munster playing days as Johnny Sexton’s counterpart.
Leinster have entered their post-Sexton era, with revenge certainly on the mind of the Irish province. Garry Ringrose and James Ryan co-captain Leinster into Europe for the first time, with hooker Dan Sheehan set to make a milestone 50th appearance for the club. Nine of the team that started last season’s Champions Cup Final have been named in the starting lineup for the trip to La Rochelle.
LA ROCHELLE
15. Brice Dulin 14. Dillyn Leyds 13. Ulupano Seuteni 12. Jonathan Danty 11. Jules Favre 10. Antoine Hastoy 9. Tawerra Kerr-Barlow 1. Reda Wardi, 2. Pierre Bougarit (cap), 3. Uini Atonio, 4. Thomas Lavault 5. Will Skelton, 6. Paul Boudehent, 7. Levani Botia, 8. Yoan Tanga
16. Sacha Idoumi 17. Joel Sclavi 18. Georges-Henri Colombe Reazel 19. Ultan Dillane 20. Rémi Picquette 21. Judicaël Cancoriet 22. Teddy Iribaren 23. Hugo Reus
LEINSTER
15. Hugo Keenan 14. Jordan Larmour 13. Garry Ringrose 12. Robbie Henshaw 11. Jimmy O’Brien 10. Harry Byrne 9. Jamison Gibson-Park 1. Andrew Porter 2. Dan Sheehan 3. Michael Ala’alatoa 4. Joe McCarthy 5. James Ryan 6. Ryan Baird 7. Will Connors 8. Caelan Doris
Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher 17. Cian Healy 18. Thomas Clarkson 19. Jason Jenkins 20. Josh van der Flier 21. Ben Murphy 22. Ciarán Frawley 23. Charlie Ngatai
Racing 92 vs Harlequins – La Defense Arena, 17:30 KO
Henry Arundell is set for a reunion with his old West London rivals, as the former London Irishman gets prepped for a run out against Harlequins in the Champions Cup. Arundell starts at fullback for Racing 92, amongst a star studded line-up brought together in Paris. Racing’s squad features members of the French national team, including centre Gael Fickou and lock Cameron Woki. Racing have had an active summer in the transfer market, and bolster their squad with Rugby World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi.
The Harlequins starting XV features just one change following the win over Sale Sharks, with Will Collier ruled out through injury. Collier has been replaced by Welsh international Dillon Lewis at tight-head prop. The Harlequins squad also features talents from the Rugby World Cup, with England internationals Marcus Smith and Danny Care, joined by Springbok Andre Esterhuizen in the starting XV. Harlequins have certainly rolled out their big guns, for this battle against the Top 14 leaders.
Henry Arundell is set for a London Irish reunion, as he lines up against his former teammates Chandler Cunningham-South and Will Joseph. Harlequins Director of Rugby Billy Millard discussed the threatening skillset that Arundell brings to La Defense Arena.
“I think we know him well. We know his threats. I think the boys are excited, you know, to play against him, he’s had some pretty big moments for them since he’s been there. I think he got three in his first game for them. So, we haven’t focused on him too much, because if you focus on him, you’re missing the other 14 guys who are also outstanding. So look, we know what he can do, and there’s been a bit of chatter around it, but it’s not front and centre.”
RACING 92
15. Henry Arundell 14. Vinaya Habosi 13. Gael Fickou 12. Francis Saili 11. Juan Imhoff 10. Antoine Gibert 9. Nolann Le Garrec 1. Guram Gogichashvilil 2. Camille Chat 3. Trevor Nyakane 4. Cameron Woki 5. Boris Palu 6. Ibrahim Diallo 7. Siya Kolisi 8. Wenceslas Lauret
16. Janick Tarrit 17. Eddy Ben Arous 18. Thomas Laclayat 19. Baptiste Chouzenoux 20. Jordan Joseph 21. Clovis le Bail 22. Tristian Tedder 23. Henry Chavancy
HARLEQUINS
15. Tyrone Green 14. Nick David 13. Will Joseph 12. Andre Esterhuizen 11. Cadan Murley 10. Marcus Smith 9. Danny Care 1. Joe Marler 2. Sam Riley 3. Dillon Lewis 4. Joe Launchbury 5. Dino Lamb 6. Chandler Cunningham-South 7. Will Evans 8. Alex Dombrandt (Captain)
Replacements
16. Jack Walker 17. Fin Baxter 18. Simon Kerrod 19. Irne Herbst 20. James Chisholm 21. Will Porter 22. Jarrod Evans 23. Oscar Beard