Champions Cup

Get to know La Rochelle

The DHL Stormers opponents on Saturday, two-time European champions La Rochelle, have had a relatively low-key existence for most of their history before bursting onto the scene in the last three years.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Handre Pollard (C) of Leicester Tigers celebrates with team mates after scoring their third try during the Investec Champions Cup match between Leicester Tigers and DHL Stormers at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Leicester, England.

Pollard applauds Stormers depth

Handre Pollard admitted that the Stormers’ youngsters made it difficult for Leicester Tigers to execute their plan in the opening-round Champions Cup clash at Welford Road.

Bulls’ Burger fired up for Lyon snowstorm

Zak Burger says the Vodacom Bulls, on a run of three successive victories, believe they can repel Lyon’s avalanche and get a positive result in France.

Dobson rues ‘kick in the guts’

John Dobson cut a figure of mixed emotions after the DHL Stormers side missing 13 regulars so nearly upset a powerhouse Leicester Tigers team at Welford Road.

State of the Euro cups: SA teams bolt out the blocks

The Vodacom Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Cheetahs kicked off their respective Champions and Challenge cup campaigns on a winning note as five SA teams returned to European club competition.

NANTERRE, FRANCE - DECEMBER 10: Siya Kolisi of Racing 92 in action during the European Rugby Cup between Racing 92 and Harlequins at Paris La Defense Arena on December 10, 2023 in Nanterre, France.

Saffas Abroad: Kolisi shines in Champs Cup

Siya Kolisi produced an immense performance in his first Champions Cup run for Racing 92, while Springbok prop Thomas du Toit continued his incredible scoring record.

Pollard saves Tigers from Stormers upstarts

Handre Pollard scored a 20-point haul as Leicester Tigers survived a stunning performance from the DHL Stormers in the opening round of the Champions Cup on Sunday.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 09: Elliot Daly of Saracens during the Investec Champions Cup match between Vodacom Bulls and Saracens at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on December 09, 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)

Jake: We learnt a championship lesson

Director of rugby Jake White said the Vodacom Bulls benefited from a “ruthless” display of Champions Cup rugby in their narrow win against Saracens on Saturday.

Sharks sink Bok plans

Neil Powell has confirmed that the Sharks will be reviewing how many Springboks are contracted as part of a drive to create a new culture at Kings Park.