Advertisement
An intriguing battle awaits between Munster and Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle. Billy Stickland/INPHO

Munster to visit O'Gara's La Rochelle, while Ulster squeeze into Champions Cup knockouts

Bordeaux-Begles hammered the Sharks, meaning Ulster will have an away tie in the last-16.

LAST UPDATE | 19 Jan

MUNSTER WILL FACE a mouthwatering clash with club hero Ronan O’Gara when they face La Rochelle in the Champions Cup round of 16.

The fixtures for the next stage of the competition were confirmed following today’s slate of games, with Munster finishing third in Pool 3 following Saturday’s defeat to Northampton Saints. Munster will travel to Stade Marcel-Deflandre for that tie as they face a tough task against the 2022 and 2023 champions.

Meanwhile, Ulster have been handed a lifeline following Bordeaux-Begles’ big win over the Sharks. The 54-point hammering means Richie Murphy’s side take fourth place in Pool 1 with a better points difference of -61 compared to Sharks’ -87, seeing them through to the last 16. They needed Bordeaux to win by at least 28 points while also ensuring Sharks did not achieve a losing bonus point.

Damian Penaud scored a tournament record six tries to help ensure the result favoured Ulster, meaning the Irish side will take on the tournament’s top seeds in the next stage.

Leinster, who have topped their pool, will take on Harlequins in Croke Park. Their opposition was confirmed following the conclusion of the clash between Sale and Toulon which ended in a 33-7 win for Sale and cemented Leinster’s place as the competition’s second seeds. Leo Cullen’s side will also have home advantage for the quarter-finals and the semi-finals should they progress to that stage.

The round of 16 ties will take place on 4/5/6 April.

Meanwhile in the Challenge Cup, Connacht will take on Cardiff in the last-16.

 Champions Cup Fixtures

  • La Rochelle v Munster
  • Bordeaux v Ulster
  • Connacht v Cardiff
  • Leinster v Harlequins

Challenge Cup Fixtures

  • Connacht v Cardiff
Close
153 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel