LONDON WASPS WILL be involved in the first-ever European Rugby Champions Cup next season after they beat Stade Français 50-35 in a two-legged qualification play-off.
Dai Young’s side had a one-point advantage coming into this afternoon’s game at Stade Jean-Bouin, having won 30-29 in the first leg at Adams Park last weekend. A 20-6 victory in Paris confirmed that Wasps will be part of the elite European club competition for the 2014/15 campaign.
Tries from pacy wing Tom Varndell and powerful No. 8 Guy Thompson were important for the London club, while former England out-half Andy Goode kicked 10 points. Stade Français’ only reply was to score two penalties through Jules Plisson.
Both sides finished seventh in their respective domestic leagues to be drawn into this play-off, the result of which confirms the 20-club line up for the Rugby Champions Cup. From next season, the eight and ninth-placed teams in the Pro12 will also be involved in the play-offs.
Full line up for the 2014/15 Rugby Champions Cup:
Pro12 clubs and provinces: Leinster, Glasgow, Munster, Ulster, Ospreys, Scarlets, Treviso.
English clubs: Saracens, Northampton, Leicester, Harlequins, Bath, Sale, Wasps.
Top 14 équipes: Toulon, Montpellier, Clermont, Toulouse, Racing Métro, Castres.
