The knockout picture for the Investec Champions Cup has taken shape, with English champions Bath set to welcome Saracens in a heavyweight last-16 clash, while Harlequins will enjoy home advantage against Sale Sharks after their memorable triumph in France.
Bath secured their place as Pool 2 winners in emphatic fashion, running in nine tries against Edinburgh at the Rec on Friday night. That dominant performance not only underlined their attacking strength but also ensured they progressed as the fourth seeds into the knockout rounds. Their reward is an all-English showdown with Saracens, a side with vast European experience and a proud history in the competition.
Harlequins, meanwhile, were among the stories of the pool stage after producing a stunning away victory over former champions La Rochelle. That result did more than just secure Quins a place in the knockout phase, as it also allowed Leicester Tigers to sneak through. Quins’ prize is a home tie against fellow Premiership outfit Sale Sharks, setting up another intriguing domestic battle on the European stage.
Leicester, however, face one of the toughest assignments in the last 16. The Tigers travel to France to take on Bordeaux at Stade Chaban-Delmas. Bordeaux finished the pool phase as top seeds and are widely regarded as one of the tournament favourites, making Leicester’s task a formidable one as they attempt to cause an upset against the reigning champions.
Glasgow Warriors come into the knockout rounds in outstanding form after sweeping through their pool with a perfect record of bonus-point victories. The Scottish side underlined their credentials on Sunday by comprehensively outplaying Saracens, a result that confirmed their status as second seeds overall. Glasgow will now face South African outfit the Bulls, who scraped through as 15th seeds but are known for their physicality and resilience.
Leinster, seeded third, will host Edinburgh in Dublin. The Irish province have long been one of the dominant forces in European rugby and will be confident of progressing, although Edinburgh’s performances in the pool stage suggest they are capable of making life difficult if given the chance. For Leinster, the match represents another step in their pursuit of a fifth Champions Cup title.
Six-time winners Toulouse, despite leading France’s Top 14 domestically, endured an unusually inconsistent pool campaign, losing two of their group matches. As a result, they enter the knockout stage as eighth seeds. Nonetheless, their pedigree in this competition is unquestionable, and they will host Bristol Bears in a tie that promises attacking rugby from both sides.
Northampton Saints, who finished fifth seeds, have been drawn at home against Castres. The Saints will see this as an opportunity to make a deep run in the tournament, especially with the advantage of playing at Franklin’s Gardens. Castres, however, are known for their uncompromising style and will relish the chance to challenge an English side on foreign soil.
Elsewhere, Toulon will host United Rugby Championship leaders the Stormers. The South African side topped the URC table but must now travel to the south of France for a demanding away fixture against one of Europe’s most intimidating home teams. It is a clash that highlights the growing diversity and competitiveness of the Champions Cup in its expanded format.
In total, the last 16 features seven English teams, underlining the strength of the Premiership’s representation this season. France have four sides remaining, while Scotland and South Africa each contribute two teams. Ireland is represented solely by Leinster, a reflection of the fine margins that defined the pool stage.
All last-16 ties are scheduled to be played over the weekend of 3, 4 and 5 April, with home advantage determined by seeding. The structure ensures that the highest-ranked teams from the pool phase are rewarded, but as history has shown, knockout rugby often produces surprises regardless of form or rankings.
The full last-16 draw is as follows: top seeds Bordeaux face 16th seeds Leicester Tigers; second seeds Glasgow Warriors meet 15th seeds Bulls; third seeds Leinster host 14th seeds Edinburgh; fourth seeds Bath take on 13th seeds Saracens; fifth seeds Northampton Saints play 12th seeds Castres; sixth seeds Harlequins welcome 11th seeds Sale Sharks; seventh seeds Toulon face 10th seeds Stormers; and eighth seeds Toulouse host ninth seeds Bristol Bears.
With elite clubs from across Europe and South Africa still in contention, the Investec Champions Cup is poised for a thrilling knockout phase. Long-standing rivalries, domestic rematches, and cross-hemisphere clashes all add to the intrigue, as teams chase continental glory and a place in the quarter-finals.
For full coverage, match previews, and the latest updates from European rugby, visit https://netsports247.com
