European Champions Cup

European Professional Club Rugby has handed a fine of an undisclosed amount to Saracens after the Premiership club failed to send any of their representatives for the launch event of the Champions Cup in Cardiff.

Racing 92 kick-started their European Champions Cup campaign with a 30-10 bonus point win over defending champions Saracens at Paris La Defense Arena on Sunday.

Glasgow Warriors overcome a late charge from Sale Sharks as they kick-started their European Champions Cup campaign with a 13-7 win over Sale Sharks at Scotstoun Stadium.

John Cooney contributed with 12 points including the decisive penalty goal in the 71st minute as Ulster edged out Bath Rugby 16-17 in their European Rugby Champions Cup encounter at Recreation Ground on Saturday.

As Europe's biggest rugby competition kicks-off on Friday, we take a look at how the teams are shaping ahead of the round one of the Heineken Champions Cup.

In his latest TRU column, Benetton and Italy’s Seb Negri reflects on the Rugby World Cup as well as his experience in Japan plus, he discusses the Pro14 and the upcoming European Champions Cup.

The European Professional Club Rugby expressed disappointment on Saracens' decision to not send any of their representatives for the launch of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Three-time champions Saracens will begin their European Champions Cup title defence against Racing 92 on 17th November as the fixtures for the 2019/20 season were unveiled on Friday.

Kelly Brown was never a man to take a backwards step as a distinguished player over the years for Melrose, Border Reivers, Glasgow Warriors, Saracens and Scotland.

Defending champions Saracens will face a stern test in the 2019/20 season of European Champions Cup as they are grouped in same Pool as Munster, Racing 92 and Ospreys.

After captaining his country on Sunday, TRU columnist Josh Beaumont has penned his final words of the season as he reflects on a special day at Twickenham, England and an exciting 2019/20 campaign to come.

Leinster Rugby skipper and Ireland international Johnny Sexton said the missed chances proved costly in their 10-20 defeat in the final of the Heineken Champions Cup against Saracens at St James' Park in Newcastle last weekend.

Saracens went on to clinch their third European Champions Cup title after they went on to defeat Leinster Rugby 10-20 in the final at St James' Park on Saturday.

Saracens full-back Alex Goode has been named the EPCR European Player of the Year following his impressive performance in the 2018/19 season.

Sean Maitland and Billy Vunipola scored tries as Saracens went on to clinch their third European Champions Cup title after beating Leinster 10-20 in the final at St James' Park in Newcastle on Saturday.

EPCR European Player of the Year nominees Garry Ringrose and Jordan Larmour are the men who can break down Saracens defence and help Leinster lift the Heineken Champions Cup for a record fifth time on Saturday, according to Brian O’Driscoll.

Saracens have received a much-needed boost ahead of their European Champions Cup final against Leinster to be played in Newcastle on Saturday with England international Mako Vunipola declared fit.

Ireland international Fergus McFadden will miss the remainder of the season for Leinster after he was handed a six-week ban.

Leinster will be in contention to defend the Heineken Champions Cup title when they face Premiership side Saracens in the final at St James' Park in Newcastle on 11th May.

Saracens went on to reach the final of the Heineken Champions Cup after beating Munster 32-16 in the semi-final at Ricoh Arena on Saturday.