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The EPCR, and especially the unholy Anglo-French alliance, may have done untold damage since their coup ousted the old Heineken Cup organisers ERC, and the competition continues to muddle along imperfectly. But as long as there are clashes like Leinster v La Rochelle and Bordeaux-Bègles v Northampton on successive days, the competition will always bring a unique vibrancy to the rugby season.
The Saturday evening clash between Leinster and La Rochelle at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 5.30pm) is a repeat of the 2022 and 2023 finals, while Bordeaux-Northampton clash at a sold-out Stade Chaban Delmas on Sunday (kick-off 3.15pm) is a reprise of last May’s decider at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
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