Since the World Cup ended, there's been a huge rugby shaped hole in our lives. Our weekends aren't the same without the excitement of watching 16 stone men run at each other at top speed. While the Pro12 has been helping, the return of the European Rugby Champions Cup is what we've really been waiting for. The tournament was launched today, ahead of the first round of games starting on November 14th.
The Champions Cup (or Heineken Cup as it was previously known) hasn't been won by an Irish side since Leinster's victory in 2012. After reaching the semi-final last year, they'll be hoping to get back into the final this year. Newly appointed club captain, Isa Nacewa, looked ready for business as he faced the press
It's Isa. It's Leinster. It's your first captain's pic of the day. #EPCRTournamentLaunch pic.twitter.com/qJuJOrWNGS
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 4, 2015
Munster captain Denis Hurley and Ulster captain Rory Best were also there, representing the Irish provinces. They'll also be hoping to lead their teams back to a final
.@DenisHurley15 discussing our #ChampionsCup pool 4 chances this season with as tough as opposition ever! pic.twitter.com/BBIJtN0QZp
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) November 4, 2015
.@kenctsowens from @scarlets_rugby and @RoryBest2 from @UlsterRugby at #EPCRTournamentLaunch pic.twitter.com/ICMhmmM7RO
— Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) November 4, 2015
The biggest challenge will come from French side Toulon, who have one the trophy for the past three seasons. They've been drawn in the same pool as Leinster and will be visiting the Aviva stadium in December, in a repeat of last year's semi final
We wouldn't bet against Toulon winning four-in-a-row, especially with Paul O'Connell and world cup winner Ma'a Nonu having joined the team, but we really hope it's one of these guys lifting the trophy next May
Isa @DenisHurley15 and @RoryBest2 representing @IrishRugby at #EPCRTournamentLaunch pic.twitter.com/LSSQU8sdh0
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 4, 2015