Former Wasps, England, and British and Irish Lions legend Lawrence Dallaglio has been there, done that, and won it all in rugby. Yet, when he reflects on his glittering career, his two Champions Cup medals shine just as bright as his 2003 Rugby World Cup winner’s medal. The Premier Sports pundit pulled no punches in his praise for the pinnacle tournament, calling it “the greatest club competition in the world.”
“It’s pretty special,” Dallaglio said. “I played in this tournament for 15 years and won it a few times, as well as lost it a few times too. It’s international rugby in a club jersey. You’re playing with your mates, week in, week out. Quite a few of the guys don’t necessarily get to play international rugby, and this competition elevates everyone – players, fans, venues, and atmospheres. It’s incredibly exciting.”
Dallaglio knows the heights the Champions Cup can inspire. From world-class players to iconic stadiums, he described the competition as offering “world-class performances” and said his Heineken Cup wins with Wasps in 2003/04 and 2006/07, ranked among the best moments of his career.
“You see some pretty epic games and the away experiences are so memorable,” he added. “My friends and family all say that following their club and watching their team pull off famous victories away from home are the best rugby memories they have.”
It’s no secret that the French giants have dominated the Champions Cup in recent years, with no non-French winner in the past four seasons. But Dallaglio sees potential among the Gallagher Premiership contenders to challenge that trend for the 2024/25 campaign.
“We have sides in the English Premiership that will challenge, that’s for sure,” he said. “All the English teams were in the fight last week – scrapping, picking up points and some losing bonus points. It’s early days. La Rochelle lost two games in the opening rounds last season and still qualified for the knock-out stages.”
The opening weekend delivered on drama, with standout performances from some familiar heavyweights. “Toulouse looked very strong and are the team to beat. But that doesn’t mean they are unbeatable,” he said. Dallaglio also pointed to Leinster, who have bolstered their already formidable squad with overseas talent. “I wouldn’t discount them either,” he warned.
As for the Premiership sides, Dallaglio struck a note of optimism. “There are only four rounds before knock-out rugby, so ideally you want to win your opening game. The English clubs were competitive and showed they’re ready for a fight. If the Sharks decide to point their resources at this competition, they may well challenge too. With the squad they’ve got, I expect to see them qualify for the latter stages. And then anything can happen.”
Beyond the glory of the silverware, Dallaglio emphasized the Champions Cup’s role in elevating players’ careers to Test match readiness. “It takes you out of your comfort zone. It makes you think differently as a player and challenges you in a different way,” he explained.
“What players soon recognize is that if you play well in a couple of these games, you tend to take a big step forward in your career. It’s not just international recognition you can get on the Champions Cup stage – it’s a great measurement of how you’re doing.”
Referencing the 2025 British and Irish Lions’ selection process, he added: “If I was part of Andy Farrell’s coaching team, I’d be looking at performances away from home. The majority of the Lions Tests are on the other side of the world, and this competition shows you who can deliver in those environments.”
Now working as a pundit for Premier Sports, Dallaglio relishes his role in bringing the Champions Cup to life for fans. “It’s a new broadcaster and the 30th anniversary, so that brings fresh momentum and ideas,” he said.
“Despite the weather, which wasn’t what we all wished for, I thought the opening weekend was fantastic. For us, it’s about celebrating what’s out there on the field. Our job is to bring that to life and be the soundtrack for all the people at home.”
Dallaglio’s passion for the competition is evident, and he sees this season as another thrilling chapter in Champions Cup history. “It’s early days, but we’re excited and looking forward to taking everyone through every step of the drama – all the way to Cardiff in May next year.”
After two rounds, the Champions Cup has already set the stage for a season of unforgettable rugby. From epic away wins to dominant displays by tournament favorites, Dallaglio’s prediction of “pretty epic games” seems destined to come true. For fans, players, and pundits alike, the Investec Champions Cup remains the pinnacle of club rugby – where legends are made, and history is written.
