Ulster Rugby v Scarlets

WELCOME MESSAGE FROM EPCR

After a breath-taking start to the Heineken Champions Cup season, welcome to these crucial back-to-back matches which will do so much to determine whose Road to Newcastle will continue into the knockout rounds.

The opening two rounds were marked with some titanic battles back in October including a thrilling win for Toulouse over Leinster Rugby in the meeting of the two most garlanded clubs in the history of this tournament. Two very different – yet equally compelling – draws, between Exeter Chiefs and Munster Rugby, Wasps and Bath Rugby, leave Pools 1 and 2 very open whilst Newcastle Falcons fans are no doubt still recovering after two fraught, tense victories sit them at the head of Pool 5. The second of those wins was screened live in the United States by NBC Sports which allies to the domestic improvement in broadcast platforms to make the viewing experience of our tournaments better for rugby fans. We have seen an excellent start to the season on BT Sport in the United Kingdom and Ireland and there has been plenty of fascinating action for both Channel 4 and Virgin Media viewers over the opening rounds as well. Crucially, we’ve had a growth of almost 10% in attendances for the first two rounds of the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup combined, compared with last season, further highlighting the strength of the tournaments. It’s all building up to an atmospheric and memorable Finals Weekend at St James’ Park that has already captured the public imagination with tickets on general public sale in short supply for the Heineken Champions Cup and a strong crowd promised for the showpiece of the Challenge Cup as well. To avoid disappointment, you can guarantee your place at the iconic venue through HeinekenChampionsCup.com.

We are delighted to say that the Financial Times has teamed up with EPCR as Official Supporter of the tournaments for the next four years, joining Gilbert on that status. The world’s leading global business publication undoubtedly enhances our suite of industry-leading partners alongside Tissot and, of course, Heineken, who have returned as title partner of Europe’s elite club rugby tournament this season. We thank all of them for their commitment and backing. The Heineken Champions Cup has certainly shown both the intensity and unpredictability that has marked itself out as The One to Win in the club game and you can get closer to the action through the official website and social media channels. The Champions Rugby Show is a free-download podcast bringing you the latest match previews after which, you can pick your Classic or Daily team for Champions Fantasy Rugby and be in the hunt to scoop some outstanding prizes, also on offer through the Try of the Round competition at the end of each weekend. We hope that you enjoy these back-to-back fixtures and, on behalf of EPCR, send you and your loved ones the very best for the forthcoming

festive period. Yours in rugby, Simon Halliday EPCR Chairman